Answer
Replenishing telomeres is the primary function of telomerase. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Telomerase is an enzyme that adds DNA nucleotides to telomeres, preventing them from becoming too short and triggering cellular senescence or apoptosis. This replenishment ensures the maintenance of genomic integrity and allows cells to divide multiple times, contributing to tissue renewal and organismal longevity.