Explain the role of telomerase in maintaining telomere length.

Telomerase is an enzyme that is responsible for adding DNA sequences to the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres. As cells divide, the telomeres naturally become shorter, eventually leading to cell death or senescence. However, telomerase has the ability to extend telomeres, allowing cells to continue dividing and potentially delaying or even reversing age-related decline. In humans, telomerase is highly active in stem cells and certain types of immune cells, which require the ability to divide and renew themselves throug....