What is the role of telomeres in maintaining the replicative potential of hematopoietic stem cells?

A They promote the shortening of telomeres, leading to cellular senescence
B They maintain the length of telomeres, ensuring the continued replication of stem cells ✓
C They regulate the expression of genes involved in DNA repair
D They inhibit the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that lengthens telomeres

Explanation

Telomeres play a crucial role in maintaining the replicative potential of hematopoietic stem cells by protecting the ends of chromosomes from degradation and fusion, thereby ensuring their ability to continue replicating.

Mnemonic

_telomere = 'tel-' (to tell) the story of cellular aging

Source

- Blackburn and Szostak (1984) - Telomeres and Telomerase
Hematology Hematology: Hematopoiesis Hematology: Hematopoiesis Hard MEDICAL Confidence: medium