Telomeres in Cell Division (IMAGE) University of Maryland Caption In this image, captured by confocal microscopy, the ends of telomeres can be seen as red dots aligning at opposite sides of blue chromosomes in skin cells that are preparing to divide. A new study from UMD researchers revealed that telomerase, an enzyme that prevents telomere shortening as cells divide and is known to promote cancer, also protects against malignant transformations in a key stage at the end of a cell's life. Credit Kan Cao, University of Maryland Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.