Telomeres protect the genes, much like the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces.

端粒可以保护基因，这种情况恰恰像鞋带末端的塑料帽。

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To help you visualize them, they are often compared to the little plastic tips at the ends of shoelaces.

为了给人以感性认识，人们常把端粒比作鞋带二端的小塑料头。

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Scientists liken their function to the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces, and say that lifespan is linked to their length.

科学家将端粒的功能比作鞋带的塑料头，称寿命长短与端粒长短相关。

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Elizabeth Blackburn compares them to the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces.

VOA: special.2009.10.07

Telomeres protect the chromosomes, much like the plastic tips on shoelaces keep lace from fraying.

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Most are simple designs, essentially a pen with a rubber tip that mimics the conductive property and shape of a fingertip. (Steer clear of styluses with fine, hard plastic tips, which are designed for older gadgets like the PalmPilot and won't work with today's touch screens).

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Dr Karp's patch mimics this action using minute needles made of plastic with tips that are rigid when dry but swell once they have pierced wet tissue.

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