This paper raises several provocative issues. It also lends further support to those who believe that the secondary function of telomeres is to serve as a checkpoint for uncontrolled cellular proliferation. This makes sense in tissues that continue to undergo mitosis. But it raises the question, "What is the function of telomeres in non-replicative cells?" They must have some function; what is their function and why are they there? I have an idea but would like to hear from others first.

View all comments by Richard Bowen