Biology of Ageing Flashcards
What is cell senescence?
When the cell stops dividing.
Name 2 the types of ageing.
Deterministic (programmed). Non-deterministic (random damage).
Give 3 reasons of evidence for programmed ageing.
Hayflick limit. Progeria. Gerontogenes. Species specific lifespan.
What is meant by the Hayflick Limit?
Is when the cell divides until it can’t divide anymore.
What protects DNA ends from degradation and faulty-repair?
Telomeres.
What is Werner’s syndrome (‘adult progeria’)?
Ageing at an early age.
State 2 characteristics of someone with Werner’s syndrome.
White hair. Reduced suppleness. Cataracts. Diabetes. Osteoporosis. Cancer.
What enzyme is responsible for Progeria patients reaching the Hayflick limit faster?
Helicase.
What are gerontogenes?
Genes which have an effect on lifespan when mutated or if expression is changed.
State 2 species responsible for random ageing.
Oxygen. Protein.
What is a Maillard reaction?
Reaction between sugars and protein.
Maillard reactions produce which end-product?
Advanced glycosylation end-products.
State 2 effects of AGE accumulation.
Wrinkles skin. Reduced oxygen carriage in red blood cells. Stiffening of arteries. Reduced insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells.
State 2 examples of anti-oxidants in your diet.
Alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E. Ascorbate. Vitamin C. Beta carotene.
State 2 ways to increase life-span.
Antioxidants. Calories deficit. Exercise.
