The Metabolic Theories of Aging

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Questions and Answers

According to the metabolic theories of aging, what is the relationship between metabolic rate and aging?

Organisms with lower metabolic rates tend to experience faster aging
Organisms with higher metabolic rates tend to experience faster aging (correct)
Organisms with lower metabolic rates tend to experience slower aging
Organisms with higher metabolic rates tend to experience slower aging

What are free radicals?

Antioxidants that neutralize oxidative stress
Important molecules that interact with DNA
Reactive molecules that slow down the aging process
Harmful byproducts produced during metabolic processes (correct)

What is oxidative stress?

The production of harmful byproducts called free radicals
The body's ability to produce more energy through metabolism
The process of converting food into energy
An imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them (correct)

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between metabolic rate and aging according to the metabolic theories?

Higher metabolic rates lead to faster aging due to increased production of free radicals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are free radicals?

Harmful byproducts of metabolic rate. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is oxidative stress?

The imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them using antioxidants. (D) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Metabolic Theories of Aging

Metabolic rate is inversely proportional to lifespan, meaning that a slower metabolic rate is associated with a longer lifespan.
Higher metabolic rate generates more free radicals, which damage cells and contribute to aging.

Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules that contain unpaired electrons.
They are highly reactive and can damage cells by stealing electrons from them.
Free radicals are a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism.

Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress occurs when the body's antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed by the production of free radicals.
This leads to cellular damage, inflammation, and contributes to the aging process.
Oxidative stress can be caused by factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and smoking, in addition to high metabolic rate.