telomerase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Specialist)Scientific, Academic, Medical. Exclusively formal and technical.
Quick answer
What does “telomerase” mean?
An enzyme (a reverse transcriptase) that adds telomeric DNA repeats to the ends of chromosomes, thereby counteracting their shortening during cell division.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme (a reverse transcriptase) that adds telomeric DNA repeats to the ends of chromosomes, thereby counteracting their shortening during cell division.
In broader contexts, 'telomerase' is a key subject in the study of cellular aging, cancer biology, and potential regenerative therapies, due to its role in maintaining genomic stability and cellular replicative potential.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical or pronunciation differences. Spelling and usage are identical in scientific literature.
Connotations
Identical technical and research-focused connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Frequency is equally low and confined to specialist fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “telomerase” in a Sentence
The [noun] exhibits telomerase activity.Researchers inhibited telomerase in the [cell type].[Substance] acts as a telomerase activator.The gene encodes a subunit of telomerase.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “telomerase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The telomerase-positive cells continued to divide.
- They observed a telomerase-dependent mechanism.
American English
- The study focused on telomerase-related pathways.
- They identified a telomerase-deficient mouse model.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. May appear in highly specialised biotech/pharma investment reports.
Academic
Core term in molecular biology, genetics, oncology, and aging research.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in popular science articles about aging or cancer.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Precise and frequent in research papers, lab reports, and clinical studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “telomerase”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “telomerase”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈteləməreɪz/ (stress on first syllable).
- Using it as an uncountable mass noun (e.g., 'a lot of telomerase' is acceptable, but 'a telomerase' is also correct when referring to the enzyme entity).
- Confusing 'telomerase' (enzyme) with 'telomere' (DNA structure).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its primary function is to add repetitive nucleotide sequences to the 3' end of DNA strands at the telomeres, compensating for the shortening that occurs during normal DNA replication.
No, it is highly active in stem cells, germ cells, and most cancer cells, but it is typically inactive or present at very low levels in most adult somatic (body) cells.
Because around 85-90% of cancers reactivate telomerase to become immortal, making it a prime target for anticancer therapies designed to selectively kill tumor cells.
It is an area of intense research and debate. While telomerase activation can extend the replicative lifespan of cells in culture and has shown some beneficial effects in mouse models, its direct application to reverse human aging is unproven and carries significant cancer risk.
An enzyme (a reverse transcriptase) that adds telomeric DNA repeats to the ends of chromosomes, thereby counteracting their shortening during cell division.
Telomerase is usually scientific, academic, medical. exclusively formal and technical. in register.
Telomerase: in British English it is pronounced /tɪˈlɒməreɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /təˈlɑːməreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TELO'mere + 'ASE' (like other enzymes, e.g., amylASE) = the enzyme for telomeres. It 'laces' the ends of chromosomes.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CELLULAR CLOCK REPAIR KIT / THE CHROMOSOMAL CAP MAKER.
Practice
Quiz
Telomerase is best described as: