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Published on: September 17, 2020
Potential for clonal animals in longevity and ageing studies
Helen Nilsson Sköld1, Matthias Obst
1Marine Ecology-Kristineberg, University of Gothenburg, Kristineberg 566, 451 78, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden. helen.skold@marecol.gu.se
Biogerontology
|April 12, 2011
Summary
Clonal animals, like plants, can age, but evolutionary factors suggest they may live longer and resist stress. Further study could reveal novel longevity mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ageing is a decline in performance over time, typically explained by reduced selection pressure and maintenance allocation in post-reproductive individuals.
- Clonal organisms, including animals and plants reproducing asexually, present a unique case as the adult body is a reproductive unit.
- These organisms are often presumed to be non-ageing or immortal due to their apparent longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of ageing in organisms undergoing agametic cloning, with a focus on animals and molecular aspects.
- To discuss the molecular and evolutionary factors influencing ageing or non-ageing in clonal species.
- To explore the potential for novel longevity mechanisms in long-lived clonal organisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of evolutionary theories on ageing.
- Analysis of molecular and evolutionary aspects of ageing in clonal species.
- Examination of empirical evidence regarding longevity in clonal animals.
Main Results:
- Clonal animals commonly exhibit ageing.
- Evolutionary arguments and empirical data suggest clonal animals are often long-lived and stress-resistant at the genetic level.
- Theoretical models indicate potential immortality if sexual reproduction's contribution is minimal.
Conclusions:
- While clonal animals age, they possess characteristics promoting longevity and stress resistance.
- Investigating long-lived clones offers opportunities to discover new mechanisms for somatic maintenance and health.
- The possibility of immortality in clonal organisms remains a subject for theoretical and empirical exploration.
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