Telomeres are sequences of DNA that are made of 6 base pairs that can be compared to the plastic tips on shoelaces. They keep the chromosome ends from fraying and sticking to each other. Just like the plastic tips keep the shoelace from fraying. If a chromosome’s ends fray and stick together it could destroy or mess up an organism's genetic information. Each time our cells divide, our telomeres get shorter, and shorter, until they are unable to divide/get shorter. When this happens it means that there is less production of a chromosome. Some studies have shown, that telomeres are linked to the aging process, but it is still unclear whether it is a sign of aging (ex. getting gray hair) or if it is actually contributed to aging. Overall it is
