DNA Repair, Genome Maintenance and Aging

Question 1

Somatic Mutation Theory of Aging

Answer 1

Mutations in an individual’s DNA, which
occur on the individual cell level and can
accumulate over time, can impair cell function

Question 2

Intrinsic damage

Answer 2

Spontaneous hydrolysis causes depurination and
depyrimidination
–oxidation leads to a myriad of different
chemical lesions

Question 3

Exogenous damage

Answer 3

UV light and ionizing radiation
—environmental mutagens,

Question 4

oxo8dG

Answer 4

a measured DNA modification that accumulates with age and can induce mutational changes
- Because oxo8dG pairs preferentially with A rather than C, its presence can generate a G→T transversion