For ten points, what is the name for these repetitive, expendable caps on the ends of our chromosomes?
In 2003, biologists observed that these actually lengthen over the lifetime of a bird species called Leach's Storm Petrel known for its long lifespan. This makes sense, considering other research in genetics which proved that extending them keeps cells alive for longer. Synthesized by a special class of reverse-transcriptases, they are usually 3 to 20 kilobases long and are typically cytosine and guanine rich. For ten points, what is the name for these repetitive, expendable caps on the ends of our chromosomes?
In 2003, biologists observed that these actually lengthen over the lifetime of a bird species called Leach's Storm Petrel known for its long lifespan.
{telomeres}