Telomerase is best described as:

• A. Caps at ends of chromosomes.
• B. Protein that silences genes.
• C. An enzyme that disassembles chromosomes.
• D. Enzyme that prevents degradation of chromosomes.

Answer: (D)

Telomere maintenance at chromosome ends is the key idea. Telomerase is an enzyme that uses an RNA template to extend the telomeres, the repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends. By lengthening these telomeres, it offsets the natural shortening that occurs during DNA replication, helping preserve the genetic information and protect chromosome ends from damage. So, telomerase acts to prevent degradation or loss of chromosome ends during cell division, rather than acting as a cap itself, silencing genes, or disassembling chromosomes. This makes it best described as an enzyme that prevents degradation of chromosomes.