Question 1

Lorenzo quit smoking and reduced his alcohol intake.At the same time,he improved his healthy eating behaviors and increased his physical activity.Lorenzo's lifestyle changes are likely to __________.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that positive lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, increased physical activity, and reduced alcohol consumption and smoking can increase telomerase activity, which in turn can slow down telomere shortening and even lengthen telomeres over time.

Question 2

Telomerase __________.

Accepted Answer

Telomerase is an enzyme that can add DNA to the ends of chromosomes, thus lengthening telomeres. This can prevent telomeres from shortening and potentially delay the effects of aging.

Question 3

According to the "random events" view,as spontaneous or externally caused mutations accumulate,__________.

Accepted Answer

According to the "random events" view, mutations that accumulate can be external or spontaneous and can result in the production of abnormal cancerous cells. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice. Options A, C, and D are not supported by the view.

Question 4

According to the "random events" theory of biological aging,__________.

Accepted Answer

The "random events" theory of biological aging suggests that DNA in body cells is gradually damaged through mutations, leading to the aging process. This theory emphasizes the accumulation of genetic damage over time as a primary cause of aging.

Question 5

The strongest evidence for __________ comes from research showing that human cells allowed to divide in the laboratory have a lifespan of 50 divisions,plus or minus 10.

Accepted Answer

The evidence suggests the existence of "aging genes" that limit the number of cell divisions, known as the Hayflick limit. This supports the idea that aging may have a genetic basis. The other options are not specifically supported by this evidence.

Question 6

Nora's grandfather lived to be 87,and her father is still alive at the age of 98.Nora concludes that longevity is inherited and anticipates a very long life.Nora should know that __________.

Accepted Answer

The statement that people probably inherit risk and protective factors that influence their chances of dying earlier or later is the most accurate description of current findings on the heritability of longevity. While genetics does play a role, it is not a simple direct inheritance of longevity itself. Rather, it is likely that genetic factors contribute to inherited risks and protective factors that influence mortality rates. Thus, Nora should not assume a very long life based solely on the longevity of her relatives.

Question 7

Telomeres __________.

Accepted Answer

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes from destruction. They shorten with each cell division and therefore do not lengthen with age. They do not directly cause somatic mutations, but shortened telomeres can lead to genomic instability and an increased risk for mutations. Telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes, not in the middle.

Question 8

According to the cross-linkage theory of aging,bonds between protein fibers in connective tissue can lead to __________.

Accepted Answer

According to the cross-linkage theory of aging, bonds between protein fibers in connective tissue can lead to loss of flexibility in the skin and clogging of arteries. This is because the cross-linkages make the tissue stiffer and less able to stretch, leading to wrinkles and reduced blood flow.

Question 9

The __________ theory of aging receives some support from kinship studies indicating that longevity is a family trait.

Accepted Answer

The genetically programmed theory of aging suggests that aging is predetermined by our genes and receives support from studies of families with a history of longevity. This indicates that genetic factors play a role in determining lifespan.

Question 10

Telomere shortening predicts __________.

Accepted Answer

Telomere shortening is associated with cellular aging and is often considered a biomarker of biological age. In many studies, shorter telomeres have been linked to an increased risk of earlier death from age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

Question 11

Which statement is true about free-radical damage?

Accepted Answer

Free-radical damage increases with age due to the decrease in the body's ability to neutralize and repair damage caused by free radicals. This damage can contribute to biological aging and may reduce longevity.

Question 12

Senescence __________.

Accepted Answer

Senescence begins once body structures reach maximum capacity and efficiency, at around age 30. As a result, physical abilities generally decline with age. However, this process is not uniform across all parts of the body and can be influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress levels. There is evidence to suggest that while some aspects of aging are irreversible, others can be slowed or even reversed through various interventions.

Question 13

One hypothesized cause of age-related DNA and cellular abnormalities is the __________.

Accepted Answer

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage DNA and cellular components. As we age, our body becomes less efficient at neutralizing free radicals, leading to an accumulation of cellular damage that contributes to the aging process.

Question 14

The physical changes of the adult years are __________.

Accepted Answer

The physical changes of the adult years are multidimensional and multidirectional, meaning they involve a variety of dimensions (such as physical, cognitive, and social) and can have both positive and negative changes over time. They are not universal in all members of our species and can vary greatly based on individual lifestyle and genetics. They are not always similar across all parts of the body and can be affected by factors such as disease and injury. While there may be some predictability to the sequence of changes (such as puberty and menopause), overall they do not follow a stagelike pattern.

Question 15

In some species,__________ is/are associated with longer life.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In some species,__________ is/are associated with longer...

Question 16

Decreased vigor of the immune response seems to be __________.

Accepted Answer

The decreased vigor of the immune response is genetically programmed, but it is intensified by other aging processes. This is due to the fact that as the body ages, it undergoes numerous physiological changes, including changes in the structures and functions of the immune system. These changes result in a decline in the immune response, making the body more susceptible to infection and disease. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this decline are still not fully understood.

Question 17

Doyle wants to protect the health of his endocrine system.The safest approach for Doyle is __________.

Accepted Answer

Diet and physical activity are the safest approach to protect the health of the endocrine system. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise can help regulate hormones naturally and reduce the risk of endocrine disorders. Hormone therapy and genetic reconstruction are medical interventions that should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional for specific conditions. Increasing body fat can lead to obesity, which can negatively impact the endocrine system.

Question 18

Age-related declines in hearing __________.

Accepted Answer

Age-related declines in hearing are indeed more rapid for men than for women, with studies showing that men experience these declines at a rate more than twice as fast as women. This difference is attributed to various factors including occupational noise exposure, lifestyle choices, and biological differences.

Question 19

Mounting evidence indicates that free radicals __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mounting evidence indicates that free radicals __________.
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Question 20

Almeda's skin has lost some flexibility and the lens of her left eye is beginning to cloud.She is concerned that the normally separate protein fibers that make up her body's connective tissue are forming bonds with one another.You can tell Almeda that she can reduce cross-linking by __________.

Accepted Answer

Eating a healthy diet can help reduce cross-linking by providing the body with nutrients and antioxidants that prevent the formation of cross-links. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can support connective tissue health and combat cross-linking. Decreasing heart rate, increasing body fat, and moving less often are not effective ways to reduce cross-linking.

Quiz 13: Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood