[38] Molecular Mechanisms of Aging

Question 1

What is the study of Molecular Mechanisms of Aging?

Answer 1

It’s the investigation of processes at the molecular level that contribute to aging.

Question 2

Define aging.

Answer 2

The progressive loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired function and increased vulnerability to death.

Question 3

Name some key molecular mechanisms that contribute to aging.

Answer 3

1. Telomere shortening
2. Oxidative stress
3. DNA damage
4. Protein aggregation
5. Epigenetic changes

Question 4

What are telomeres?

Answer 4

The protective end caps on chromosomes, which shorten over time due to cell division.

Question 5

What is the role of telomeres in aging?

Answer 5

As telomeres shorten, cells lose their ability to divide and function properly, contributing to aging.

Question 6

What is oxidative stress?

Answer 6

An imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract their harmful effects.

Question 7

How does oxidative stress contribute to aging?

Answer 7

It can cause damage to cells’ proteins, lipids, and DNA, leading to functional decline and contributing to aging.

Question 8

What is DNA damage in the context of aging?

Answer 8

It refers to alterations in the DNA structure that can accumulate over time and disrupt normal cell function.

Question 9

How does DNA damage contribute to aging?

Answer 9

Accumulation of DNA damage can lead to cellular senescence, apoptosis, or cancer, contributing to aging.

Question 10

What is protein aggregation?

Answer 10

The accumulation of misfolded proteins that form insoluble aggregates in cells.

Question 11

How does protein aggregation contribute to aging?

Answer 11

It can disrupt cellular function and trigger cell death, contributing to aging and age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Question 12

What are epigenetic changes?

Answer 12

Changes to the organism’s gene expression without alteration of the genetic code itself.

Question 13

How do epigenetic changes contribute to aging?

Answer 13

Epigenetic changes can alter gene expression and cellular function, leading to aging and age-related diseases.

Question 14

What is cellular senescence?

Answer 14

A state in which cells lose their ability to divide and function properly.

Question 15

How does cellular senescence contribute to aging?

Answer 15

Senescent cells accumulate with age and secrete harmful substances, promoting tissue damage and aging.

Question 16

What is apoptosis?

Answer 16

Programmed cell death, a process that eliminates damaged cells.

Question 17

How does apoptosis contribute to aging?

Answer 17

If regulated incorrectly, excessive or insufficient apoptosis can lead to tissue damage and dysfunction, contributing to aging.

Question 18

What is the role of inflammation in aging?

Answer 18

Chronic, low-level inflammation (inflammaging) can contribute to aging by damaging tissues and promoting several age-related diseases.

Question 19

Define the term “inflammaging.”

Answer 19

It is chronic, low-level inflammation that occurs with aging, contributing to age-related disease and functional decline.

Question 20

What is the role of autophagy in aging?

Answer 20

Autophagy helps to remove damaged proteins and organelles, maintaining cellular function. Impaired autophagy is associated with aging and age-related diseases.