Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
10:39
A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: September 17, 2020
Theories of ageing
Jose Viña1, Consuelo Borrás, Jaime Miquel
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia. jose.vina@uv.es
IUBMB Life
|May 17, 2007
Summary
This review examines over 300 theories of ageing, focusing on the prominent free radical and mitochondrial theories. Understanding ageing mechanisms is crucial for science and medicine.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and cellular biology
- Investigates the biological processes underlying ageing.
Background:
- Ageing is a universal, intrinsic, and progressive biological process.
- Understanding ageing is of significant interest to scientists, physicians, and the public.
- Over 300 theories of ageing have been proposed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing theories of ageing.
- To highlight prominent theories like the free radical and mitochondrial theories of ageing.
- To provide a foundation for further experimental research into ageing.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of over 300 postulated theories of ageing.
- Detailed examination of the free radical theory of ageing.
- Exploration of the development into the mitochondrial theory of ageing.
Main Results:
- Identified and reviewed a large number of ageing theories.
- Highlighted the free radical theory as a prominent and well-studied model.
- Presented the mitochondrial theory of ageing as a development of the free radical theory.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of ageing requires robust theories.
- The free radical and mitochondrial theories offer significant insights into ageing.
- These theories pave the way for new experimental approaches to study ageing.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:27Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Age-related pharmacokinetic changes are extensively documented, but understanding age-related pharmacodynamic alterations is relatively limited. This knowledge gap can be partly attributed to the complexity of developing appropriate measures of drug responses compared to bioanalytical methods for determining drug concentrations.Most information regarding age-related differences in human pharmacodynamics originates from cross-sectional studies. However, these studies assume that observed mean...
01:15Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...
01:18Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism
Geriatric patients show significant variation in how their bodies process medications, which can change how effective and safe treatments are. The liver is the primary organ where drug metabolism occurs, involving two main types of chemical reactions: phase I and II. Phase I metabolism is driven by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which includes key types such as CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. Research indicates that while aging doesn't notably alter the levels or activity of these enzymes, it...