Free Radicals and Age-Related Alterations

What is a characteristic of mitochondrial DNA?

It is more susceptible to mutations than nuclear DNA.

What is associated with age-related disorders?

Telomere shortening

What happens to telomeres in telomerase-deficient mice?

They shorten

What is the primary determinant of cellular aging?

Telomere length Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the average length of the terminal restriction fragment of chromosomes in fibroblasts and peripheral blood lymphocytes with age?

It decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is affected by the shortest telomere?

Chromosomal stability and cell viability Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of age-related alterations?

Molecular damage caused by free radical molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aging?

To play a role in the somatic accumulation of mutations in mitochondrial DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of oxygenated free radicals on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)?

To cause damage leading to age-related illnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is passed down through the generations and replicates?

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of nutritional antioxidants in humans?

To reduce the risk of vascular dementia, heart disease, and cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of free radicals on macromolecules?

To react with macromolecules to produce free radicals Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical outcome of cellular senescence in response to diverse stressors?

Irreversible cell-cycle arrest Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can contribute to cellular senescence?

Oxidative stress Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of eliminating senescent cells in adult wildtype mice?

Delayed tumor formation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of programmed cell death apoptosis?

Progressive activation of caspases Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical state of caspases inmost cells?

Generally inactive in the cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between cellular senescence and tissue function?

Cellular senescence compromises tissue function Signup and view all the answers

What determines the activities and functions of proteins?

Their physical and chemical qualities Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the oxidation of amino acid residues?

Increased carbonyl content of proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of protein acetylation in the aging process?

It improves the function of specific genes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of the aging process?

A genetically programmed period of growth and maturation Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the existence of longevity genes?

The synthesis of products that control the species' life Signup and view all the answers

How do specific genes found in many animals influence the aging process?

They determine the full lifetime potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of apoptosis in response to DNA damage?

Replacing damaged cells with new ones Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between apoptosis and aging in the central nervous system?

Apoptosis increases with aging Signup and view all the answers

Why do cancer rates rise with age?

Due to decreased apoptotic defenses Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of apoptosis in wound healing?

It is essential for wound healing Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of damaged mitochondria producing more ROS?

An increase in DNA damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the current understanding of the aging process?

It is the result of complex interactions among various mechanisms Signup and view all the answers