Telomere Recombination

**Semantic type:** Genetic Function

**Definition:** Recombination can lead to the net elongation of telomeres. The sequence at the ends of chromosomes is highly repetitive and is identical on all telomeres in a given species. The 3-prime end of one chromosome can invade a second chromosome and use the sequence of the second chromosome as a template for telomere elongation by DNA polymerase. The lagging strand can then be filled in by conventional replication mechanisms.

**Synonyms:** - Telomere-Telomere Recombination