Intro Flashcards
(4 cards)
What is ageing?
The time-related deterioration of the physiological functions necessary for survival and fertility.
What is senescence?
A decline in performance and fitness with advancing age.
How is ageing controlled?
Initially it wasn’t believed that genetics were involved in ageing until around the 1980s when clear evidence was published. It is clear that ageing is controlled by genes to some extent, as well as influenced by the environment; but the extent and interaction of these factors are unknown.
What are the two sets of genes well known to be involved in ageing and its prevention?
Molecular evidence indicates that certain genetic components of longevity are conserved between species. There are 2 sets of genes - genes encoding DNA repair enzymes and genes encoding proteins involved in insulin signalling pathway.
