Aging Theories

Question 1

Hayflick Limit Theory
By: Hayflick and Moorhead

(Developmental –Genetic Theories of Aging)

Answer 1

There is a limited amount of cell population doublings. 50 per lifetime avg

Question 2

Evolutionary Therory of Aging
By: Darwin

(Developmental –Genetic Theories of Aging)

Answer 2

An expansion of natural selection. States each successive generation is more resistant to mutations and when mutations occur, they occur at a later age

Question 3

Stress Theory
By: Parsons

(Developmental –Genetic Theories of Aging)

Answer 3

Survival into old age is enhanced by high vitatility and resilience due to an underlying resistance to stress by the genes

Question 4

Neuroendocrine Theory
by: Denckla

(Developmental –Genetic Theories of Aging)

Answer 4

Functional decrements in neurons and their associated hormones are central to the aging process

Question 5

Theory of Intrinsic Mutagenesis
– Burnett

(Developmental –Genetic Theories of Aging)

Answer 5

Each species has specific characteristics of its genes that regulate the rate of errors, thereby affecting the lifespan

Question 6

Immunological Theory
– Walford

(Developmental –Genetic Theories of Aging)

Answer 6

The functional capacity of the immune system declines with age as a result of reduced T-cell function

Question 7

Free Radical Theory
– Harman

(Developmental –Genetic Theories of Aging)

Answer 7

Aging changes are due to free radicals

Question 8

Caloric Restriction Theory
– Walford

(Developmental –Genetic Theories of Aging)

Answer 8

A life committed to a high-nutrient and low-calorie diet is beneficial and longer

Question 9

Error Theory
– Orgel

(Stochastic Theories of Aging)

Answer 9

Any accident or error in either the machinery or the process of making proteins would cascade in multiple effects that would be incompatible with proper function and life

Question 10

Redundant DNA Theory
– Medvedv

(Stochastic Theories of Aging)

Answer 10

Biological age changes are a result of errors accumulation in the genes. An accumulation of these takes over the system until it is exhausted

Question 11

Somatic Mutation Theory
– Szilard

(Stochastic Theories of Aging)

Answer 11

Mutations or genetic damage result from radiation and these accumulate and create functional failure and death

Question 12

Transcription Theory
– Hayflick

(Stochastic Theories of Aging)

Answer 12

A control mechanism responsible for the appearance and the sequence of aging exists in the nuclear chromatin complex

Question 13

Cross-Linkage Theory
– Bjorksten

(Stochastic Theories of Aging)

Answer 13

The large reactive proteins (ie collagen) cross-link and are responsible for aging

Question 14

Sleeping and Aging

– Leproult

Answer 14

Prolonged sleep loss effects homeostasis and the species ability to repair tissue

Question 15

The Hormonal Imbalance- Growth Factor Exposure Theory

– Parr

Answer 15

There is too much growth hormone and not enough insulin, which leads to a less healthy and shorter life

Question 16

Telomeres

– Olovnikov

Answer 16

The length of the telomere is

predictive of lifespan for the cell and ultimately that of the organism

Question 17

Progress of Cell Culture Aging Models

– Perez

Answer 17

Dysregulation of nontraumatic and non- inflammatory cell death has been implicated in the development of diseases more prevalent in older persons

Question 18

Implications of the Genome Project

Answer 18

There is a strong relationship between genetic influences and longevity

Question 19

Werner Syndrome

– Barzilai

Answer 19

Normal people carry variants of the gene that influences their life spans or predispose them to an early death