Scientists have exposed the mystery of an enzyme, which is believed to play a key role in the development of many types of cancer. They further added that the revelation could be of immensely helpful for the development of more effective cancer drugs.

The over-activity of an enzyme called telomerase is believed to contribute to the unchecked growth of as many as 90 percent of human tumors. A lack of detailed information regarding its structure had hindered attempts to develop agents to block its effect.

Researchers led by Thomas Cech at the University of Colorado now claim to have cracked the structure of an essential part of this enzyme, the online edition of BBC News reported.