Cell Aging and Organelle Functions
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Questions and Answers

What is a key factor that influences the functioning and fate of cells?

  • Signaling molecules (correct)
  • Nutritional intake
  • Genetic mutations
  • Physical exercise
  • Cellular senescence results in improved regenerative capacity of the cell.

    False (B)

    What accumulates as a result of ER stress and contributes to aging?

    oxidized, misfolded, cross-linked, or aggregated proteins

    A network of molecular, cellular, and physiological maintenance creates a __________ capacity against damage.

    <p>buffering</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of the immune system with their descriptions:

    <p>Innate immunity = Immediate response to infections Adaptive immunity = Long-lasting response based on previous exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when the load of senescent cells exceeds a certain threshold?

    <p>Self-amplifying spread of senescence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Aging leads to an increase in the buffering capacity against cellular damage.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of the accumulation of damaged proteins in a cell?

    <p>Decline in cellular integrity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A combination of damaging processes can lead to __________, which is a state of malfunctioning cells.

    <p>cellular senescence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following processes is exacerbated by aging?

    <p>Vulnerability to damage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Cellular Aging

    The process by which cells accumulate damage over time, leading to a decline in function. This damage can be caused by various factors, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, and telomere shortening.

    Cellular Senescence

    A state in which cells stop dividing and enter a state of permanent growth arrest. This occurs due to damage accumulation and is characterized by changes in cellular function and morphology.

    Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP)

    A group of secreted factors released by senescent cells that can influence the behavior of neighboring cells. These factors often contribute to inflammation and tissue dysfunction.

    Threshold Theory of Senescent Cell Accumulation

    The theory states that once the number of senescent cells in an organism exceeds a certain threshold, the SASP they release overwhelms the immune system's ability to clear them, leading to chronic inflammation and disease.

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    Innate Immune System

    The branch of the immune system that provides the first line of defense against pathogens and other harmful substances. It is characterized by its rapid response and non-specificity.

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    Adaptive Immune System

    The part of the immune system that is responsible for adapting to specific pathogens and generating long-lasting immunity. It is characterized by its slow response and high specificity

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    Homeostasis

    The ability of an organism to maintain stability and function in the face of environmental and internal challenges. This ability is crucial for avoiding disease and maintaining a healthy lifespan.

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    Reduced Stress Tolerance

    A state of increased vulnerability to stress and damage, often associated with aging. This reduced ability to cope with stressors can lead to a decline in health and function.

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    Maintenance and Repair Systems

    The network of molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms that helps maintain the integrity of an organism. It works to buffer against damage, ensuring proper function and repair.

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    Stress Tolerance

    The ability of an organism to withstand different types of stress and maintain its function. This is crucial for maintaining health and longevity.

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    Study Notes

    Cell Aging

    • Aging is a biological process causing a decline in physical function due to accumulated cellular damage.
    • Cell cultures show changes in cell appearance as they age.
    • Cellular function and fate are influenced by neighboring cells and signaling molecules.

    Organelles and their Functions

    • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Responsible for protein synthesis and folding, as well as membrane production.
    • During aging, the ER loses its oxidative power, leading to faulty protein maturation (unfolded/misfolded proteins).
    • ER homeostasis (balance of synthesis and breakdown of proteins) is disrupted during aging. ER stress results from an excess of unfolded/misfolded proteins.
    • Factors contributing to ER stress can include genetic or environmental factors.

    Lysosomes

    • Lysosomes are important for cellular recycling by digesting waste materials.
    • Autophagy is a recycling process where the ER isolates "garbage" into a bubble (autophagosome), which then fuses with a lysosome for degradation.
    • Impaired lysosome function leads to the accumulation of faulty proteins, resulting in age-related neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
    • Caloric restriction and Rapamycin treatment can maintain lysosome function.

    Mitochondria

    • Mitochondria are responsible for energy production via the conversion of oxygen and nutrients to ATP.
    • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inherited maternally, is less protected from damage compared to nuclear DNA.
    • Aging is associated with damage to mitochondria, causing mtDNA mutations, defective proteins, and increased free radical production which can worsen aging.

    Cellular Senescence

    • Senescence is a process where cells stop dividing due to stress in order to avoid damage and abnormal cell growth.
    • Tumor suppressor proteins (p16, p53, p21) initiate the process to give time for DNA repair.
    • Senescent cells produce the SASP which has both beneficial and detrimental actions. Healthy signaling allows cells to stop dividing once the cellular damage exceeds the threshold.
    • Chronic senescent cell accumulation can lead to diseases and a decreased lifespan.

    Immune System Aging

    • The immune system has two major components: innate and adaptive.
    • Innate immunity involves physical barriers and non-specialized cells, while adaptive immunity includes specialized cells (B and T cells).
    • Aging affects both. Innate immune system shows decreased cell function.
    • Adaptive immune system shows a decline in naïve T-cell and B-cell numbers, increased memory cells, reduced diversity of T-cell receptors and shrinkage of the thymus.
    • Reduced immune function with age raises vulnerability to infections, and hinders vaccine efficacy.
    • CMV (cytomegalovirus) has a chronic effect on the immune system with aging, which leads to reduced immune function.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the biological process of cellular aging and its impact on organelle function, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes. It examines how aging affects protein synthesis, homeostasis, and recycling processes within cells. Test your knowledge on the mechanisms that underlie cellular aging and organelle roles.

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