Blackburn and Carol Greider discovered telomerase in 1984.
Discovery of Telomerase
Telomerase is a crucial enzyme that maintains telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes. The discovery of this enzyme was a significant breakthrough in understanding cellular aging and cancer.
Key Researchers
- Blackburn: One of the key researchers involved in the discovery of telomerase.
- Carol Greider: The other key researcher involved in the discovery of telomerase
Significance
The discovery of telomerase provided valuable insights into:
- Telomere Maintenance: Telomerase produces the DNA specific to telomeres, preventing chromosome degradation.
- Cellular Aging: Understanding telomerase helped scientists understand the role of telomeres in aging.
- Cancer Research: Telomerase is often active in cancer cells, allowing them to divide indefinitely.
