Which characteristic is often associated with telomeres?

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes. Their primary function is to protect the chromosome from deterioration and to prevent the ends from fusing with other chromosomes. As a cell undergoes division, telomeres naturally shorten due to the inability of DNA polymerase to completely replicate the very ends of linear DNA. This progressive shortening acts as a biological clock, ultimately leading to cellular senescence or apoptosis when they become critically short. Thus, the characteristic of telomeres shortening as cells divide is a fundamental aspect of their role in cell biology and aging.