What are telomeres and how do they change with age?

Telomeres are specialized DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes that act as protective caps to prevent DNA damage and loss. They consist of repetitive nucleotide sequences and associated proteins. Telomeres gradually shorten as cells divide over time and eventually become critically short, leading to cellular senescence, apoptosis, or impaired cell function. The shortening of telomeres is a hallmark of aging and is ....