Elizabeth Blackburn (UCSF): Discovery of Telomeric DNA and Telomerase

https://www.ibiology.org/genetics-and...

Dr. Blackburn explains that with each round of replication, the protective repeats, or telomeres, on the end of chromosomes shorten eventually leading to cellular senescence. Blackburn and her colleagues reasoned that there must be an enzyme that rebuilds the lost telomere so cell division can continue. She explains how this enzyme, called telomerase, was found and discusses its key role in cellular aging.

About this speaker: Liz Blackburn is a Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco. Blackburn has studied the role of telomeres and telomerase in protecting the ends of chromosomes for most of her career. She has received numerous honors for her work including the Lasker Award, the L'Oreal-UNESCO award for women in science, and the 2009 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology.