Fragile Telomeres (IMAGE) Rockefeller University Caption This is a series of images showing chromosomes with fragile telomeres (green). Without the protein TRF1, telomeres resemble common fragile sites, unstable regions on chromosomes that break into segments or stretch due to faulty DNA replication. Credit Cell 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.