Theories of Aging Flashcards
lifespan of a human is programmed within the genes
genetic theories
the error catastrophe theory
random error theory
aging results from errors and changes in the genetic formation
random error theory
if over time an error or mistake occurs in our DNA map, it begins to produce cells that are not correct
random error theory
original cell function ability would be altered making the next transcription contain errors causing aging and death of an organism
random error theory
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
random error theory
linked to defect or unavailability of nuclear lamin A
random error theory
one or more harmful genes become active in later life, causing failure of the organism to survive
gene regulation theory
mediate youthful vigor and mature adult; function in early life
juvenescent
promote functional decline and deterioration; middle age
senescent
a change in the copy of dna contained by the new cells
mutation
all of the cells in the body are considered somatic cells EXCEPT
reproductive cells
every time one of the cells divide to create two new cells, there is a possibility that the DNA from the 1st cell will be copied incorrectly… this results in
mutation
dna is involved in the mapping or identification of the human genome
DNA damage theory
alter the function of the cell
mutation
prevents the cell from doing its function
cell death apoptosis
changes occur in the cellular proteins after their formation
non genetic theories
attribute aging to progressive cell damage caused by the internal and external environment rather than the innate genetic program
non genetic theories
oxidative stress theory
free radical theory
by products of metabolism
free radicals
charged molecules with unpaired electrons that contained O2 in high activated state react and interact with other molecules
free radicals
as they interact with tissues they “steal” electrons from other molecules and cause –
oxidation
when these byproducts accumulate, it prevents proteins and other essential molecules to function as they should damage the cell
free radical theory
chemicals that prevent the formation of free radicals “the free radical sponge”
antioxidants
