Why are telomeres a necessary component of linear chromosomes? they maintain the length of a chromosome because dna is shortened every time it is replicated. they direct where dna synthesis will end. none of the answer options is correct. they fix mistakes that are made during dna replication. they direct where dna synthesis will begin?

Telomeres are found at the end of chromosomes to protect genes from reduction during replication of chromosomes, especially during meiosis or mitosis. They are composed of repetitive sequences that do not code for protein. Telomeres become reducted especially due to the inability of the lagging strand to be completely replicated to the end of the chromosome. However, while the telomeres become shorted with every replication, the telomeres are usually slightly elongated by telomerase reverse transcriptase.