What is the role of telomeres in cellular aging?

Telomeres play a crucial role in protecting the ends of chromosomes from deterioration and from being mistakenly recognized as broken DNA strands, which could trigger repair mechanisms that lead to fusion with other chromosomes or cell death. As cells divide, the telomeres shorten; when they reach a critically short length, this can result in cellular senescence or apoptosis, which are mechanisms associated with aging and limiting the number of times a cell can divide.

The protective function of telomeres is fundamental in maintaining genomic stability. Without them, the ends of chromosomes could fray, potentially leading to loss of genetic information during cell division. This process contributes to the aging of cells since the gradual shortening of telomeres is a key factor in the lifespan of somatic cells. Thus, the correct answer highlights the protective role of telomeres in cellular aging.