Telomere dysfunction occurs when telomeres become critically short or when the protective cap structure is compromised. This can be due to excessive cell divisions, oxidative stress, or defects in the [telomerase enzyme](). Telomerase is responsible for adding telomeric repeats to the ends of chromosomes, thereby maintaining their length. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, leading to gradual telomere shortening.
