Telomerase is an enzyme which is a

Options

A. Simple protein
B. RNA
C. ribonucleoprotein
D. Repetitive DNA

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Telomerase**: Telomerase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in maintaining the length of telomeres, which are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes.

2. **Identifying the Components of Telomerase**: Telomerase is not just a simple protein; it is a complex enzyme that contains both protein and RNA components.

3. **Function of Telomerase**: The primary function of telomerase is to add repetitive DNA sequences to the ends of chromosomes, which helps prevent the loss of important genetic information during DNA replication.

4. **Mechanism of Action**: Telomerase acts as a reverse transcriptase, meaning it synthesizes DNA from an RNA template. This is essential for extending the telomeres in cells, particularly in germ cells (sperm and egg cells).

5. **Implications of Telomerase Activity**: The activity of telomerase is linked to cellular aging and the potential for unlimited cell division, which is why it is often studied in the context of cancer and aging.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the information gathered, telomerase is best classified as a ribonucleoprotein, which is a complex of RNA and protein.

**Final Answer**: Telomerase is an enzyme which is a ribonucleoprotein (Option C).

---