Telomeres are protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes, which are structures that carry genetic information. They consist of repetitive DNA sequences and help prevent the loss of important genetic data during cell division. Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten, which eventually leads to cellular aging and limits the number of times a cell can divide. As cells continue to divide, the shortening of telomeres can trigger a process called senescence, where cells stop dividing and enter a state of permanent growth arrest. This mechanism is thought to play a role in aging and the development of age-related diseases, making telomeres an important area of study in genetics and biomedical research.