Telomeres are necessary in which type of organisms?

Telomeres are necessary in which type of organisms?

• A. Prokaryotic
• B. Bacterial
• C. Eukaryotic
• D. Archaea

Answer: (C)

Telomeres protect chromosome ends and solve the end replication problem that occurs when linear DNA is copied. This is essential in organisms with linear chromosomes, i.e., eukaryotes, because their chromosomes have ends that would otherwise shorten with each replication and could fuse or be degraded. Prokaryotes, on the other hand, typically have circular chromosomes, so there are no ends to protect and telomeres aren’t required. Archaea are also prokaryotic and generally have circular genomes, so telomeres aren’t a standard feature there. So, telomeres are necessary in eukaryotic organisms.

Telomeres protect chromosome ends and solve the end replication problem that occurs when linear DNA is copied. This is essential in organisms with linear chromosomes, i.e., eukaryotes, because their chromosomes have ends that would otherwise shorten with each replication and could fuse or be degraded. Prokaryotes, on the other hand, typically have circular chromosomes, so there are no ends to protect and telomeres aren’t required. Archaea are also prokaryotic and generally have circular genomes, so telomeres aren’t a standard feature there. So, telomeres are necessary in eukaryotic organisms.