Ageing in living organisms

Aging and Longevity

Aging occurs in all living organisms, and several studies have been performed to identify the causes that lead to aging, with several responses provided to confirm the hypotheses. According to evolutionary hypotheses, there is an association between replication and longevity, which influences age patterns of death, as in the case of iteroparous and semelparous animals (Baudisch, 2009). MFRTA and ETC have been used to achieve a greater understanding of the aging process. One argument given to explain the reason for aging is that diseases and damage of the cellular and mitochondrial oxidative are correlated to the amount of reactive oxygen species production which damages biomolecules such as fat, protein, and DNA in the body of an animal. Animals have different lifespans and those with long lifespans usually have lower mitochondrial ROS hence less damage that occurs in their bodies over the years. One suggested method that can contribute to extending the lifespan of animals is the restriction of diet which would, in turn, reduce the oxidative damage and lower the ROS.

Ageing in Living Organisms

Ageing in living organisms is a process that occurs throughout life, resulting in a gradual decline in biological functions and adaptation to metabolic stress. Multicellular organisms can only develop so much before deterioration overwhelms synthesis. Ageing in living organisms affects both individuals and species, and the characteristics of aging affect all species. In humans, the process of aging is known as senescence.

Aging in Animals

Ageing in animals is often defined as the decline of reproductive rates and body performance, which increases mortality risk. Although the underlying cause of aging in animals remains controversial, there are several mechanisms involved in the aging process, involving genes, diet, and environment. In mammals, aging is typically defined as the death of a single organism, but there are other species with a higher life span. It’s also associated with increased susceptibility to various diseases and death.

Aging and Organs

The process of aging affects organs throughout the body. Each organ is composed of a layer of cells, called a tissue. This layer of cells performs a specific function. Organs are composed of different kinds of tissues, which group together to form organs. Connective tissue supports and binds other tissues. It includes bones, blood vessels, skin, and lymph tissues. As a person ages, their organs slowly lose function.

Aging and the Central Nervous System

In some areas, the aging process affects the CNS cells. This part of the body’s central nervous system (CNS) cells gradually degenerate after birth. In the past, researchers have altered mice to increase this regenerative ability. The results were promising. However, there’s more to the process of aging than meets the eye. The research team at Harvard Medical School has discovered new ways to improve the lifespan of living organisms.

References

Baudisch A., DN Koons, JE Metcalf, S Pavard. (2009). Is life-history buffering or lability adaptive in stochastic environments? Oikos 118 (7), 972-980.