NCIt definition : A reverse transcriptase responsible for maintaining the telomere length of replicating
cells. Telomerase recognizes a telomere-specific GC rich sequence and adds telomeric
repeats by using and RNA template.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: An enzyme in cells that helps keep them alive by adding DNA to telomeres
(the ends of chromosomes). Each time a cell divides, the telomeres lose a small amount
of DNA and become shorter. Over time, the chromosomes become damaged and the cells
die. Telomerase helps keep this from happening. Cancer cells usually have more telomerase
than most normal cells.;