Pathology of ageing

Question 1

What gets shorter everytime a chromosome divides?

Answer 1

Telomeres

Question 2

What can cause wear and tear on cells?

Answer 2

Cross-linking of proteins, accumulation of toxic by-products of metabolism, damage to DNA., free radicals..

Question 3

Dermal elastosis is… and caused by…

Answer 3

wrinkly skin due to protein cross-linking

Question 4

Osteoporosis

Answer 4

Loss of bone mass (increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation due to lack of oestrogen )

Question 5

Cataracts

Answer 5

UV-B protein cross-linking causes lens to become opaque and cloudy

Question 6

Dementia

Answer 6

Loss of neurones (apoptosis), clogged with protein plaques and neurofibrillary tangles

Question 7

Sarcopaenia

Answer 7

Lack of muscle due to decreased growth hormone, decreased testosterone, increase catabolic cytokines

Question 8

Deafness

Answer 8

Loss of hair cells in cochlear (stop dividing)