Exam 2: Biologic Aging Theories and Longevity

What are antioxidants and why are they important? How might they affect the aging process?

Many well designed studies confirm the anti-aging effects of DHEA.

One theory of aging is that it is caused by an accumulation of damage to cell DNA caused by reactive by-products of cell metabolism.

Most cells that become damaged cannot repair themselves.

What factor has the highest influence on longevity?

Some believe the quest to prolong life in the laboratory is misplaced. Instead, they say, scientists should work on ways to modify those factors which affect disease onset. Do you agree or disagree? Write an essay to defend your position.

Describe and discuss the results of the New England Centenarian Study

List the possible reasons why obesity increases the risk of premature death.

Telomeres are the caps at the end of chromosomes like the tips at the end of shoestrings.

Normal cells grown in the laboratory do not age, but divide indefinitely.

Discuss at least five factors which affect the length of life.

Which of the following affects life expectancy?

Life expectancy

Antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, are thought to increase longevity by:

DHEA is a hormone made by the body that increases with age.

List reasons why people in the middle and upper income level live longer than those of low income.

List the factors in the physical environment which may affect length of life.

Describe the genetic and behavioral hypotheses advanced to explain why women live longer than men.

Scientists generally agree that the basic cause of aging is the result of a series of random accidental events that damage body cells.

Human growth hormone injections are now known to reverse age-related decline.