Cellular component

A complex of DNA and protein that seals the end of a chromosome. The telomeric repeat DNA consists of simple tandemly repeated sequences specific for each species. Typically one strand is G-rich and the other C-rich. The G-rich strand forms a 3'-terminal overhang, the length of which varies with species. The single strand overhang is bound by a variety of proteins, including telomere capping proteins that bind to the single-stranded DNA and seal the telomeric loop.