Question 1

Because neurons do not physically touch each other, they must use ________ in order to communicate.
A) neurofibrillary tangles
B) neurotransmitters
C) telomeres
D) radicals

Accepted Answer

Neurons communicate through the use of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals released by one neuron that bind to receptors on another neuron in order to transmit a neural impulse. Neurofibrillary tangles, telomeres, and radicals are not involved in neuron communication.

Question 2

The tips of chromosomes, which may play a role in the manner in which we age, are called ________.
A) telomeres
B) free radicals
C) beta-amyloids
D) neurofibrillary tangles

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are the structures located at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from damage and degradation. As we age, telomeres shorten and eventually lead to cell death or dysfunction, which may contribute to age-related diseases. Free radicals, beta-amyloids, and neurofibrillary tangles are also associated with aging and age-related diseases, but they are not specifically related to the tips of chromosomes.

Question 3

_________ are chemicals that are produced randomly during normal cell metabolism that bond easily to other substances inside of cells. They can cause damage and impair cellular functioning.
A) Corticosteroids
B) Beta-aminos
C) Amyloids
D) Free radicals

Accepted Answer

Free radicals are produced randomly during normal cell metabolism and can easily bond to other substances inside of cells, causing damage and impairing cellular functioning. Corticosteroids are a type of hormone, beta-aminos are a type of amino acid, and amyloids are a type of protein.

Question 4

Perhaps you've seen commercials on television that advertise skin products that "reduce free radicals and enhance your youthful appearance." These products are actually forwarding a ________ theory of aging.
A) programmed
B) damage or error
C) longevity
D) abnutrition

Accepted Answer

The statement mentions "reduce free radicals," which suggests that the theory being forwarded is the damage or error theory of aging. This theory posits that the accumulation of damage and errors in our cells and DNA over time leads to the aging process. Free radicals are thought to cause oxidative damage to our cells, contributing to aging.

Question 5

Dr. Gregoire is interested in studying detailed images of the anatomical features of his patient's brain. He will be most eager to have that patient undergo ________ neuroimaging, such as a CT scan or MRI.
A) static
B) functional
C) structural
D) adaptive

Accepted Answer

Structural neuroimaging refers to imaging techniques that provide detailed images of the anatomical features of the brain, such as CT scans or MRI. This type of imaging is useful for identifying brain abnormalities or injuries, and Dr. Gregoire would therefore be most interested in this type of neuroimaging for his purposes.

Question 6

One current theory of why cancer cells can replicate so rapidly and why they may, in fact, be able to live with no time limits, is because they
A) are not susceptible to the "programmed" longevity in one's genotype.
B) are immune to the destructive nature of free radicals.
C) have the ability to activate telomeres on the tips of chromosomes.
D) replicate human cells so perfectly that they human body cannot fight them.

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells have the ability to activate telomeres at the ends of chromosomes, which enables them to continue replicating without undergoing the normal process of cellular senescence. This allows cancer cells to divide rapidly and potentially live indefinitely.

Question 7

A large number of ________ in the brain has been found to have an association with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
A) telomeres
B) free radicals
C) neurofibrillary tangles
D) neurotransmitters

Accepted Answer

Neurofibrillary tangles, which are abnormal clumps of a protein called tau, have been found in high amounts in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. These tangles disrupt communication between cells in the brain and are believed to play a role in the cognitive decline associated with these diseases. Telomeres, free radicals, and neurotransmitters have also been studied in relation to Alzheimer's disease, but neurofibrillary tangles have been found to be a more direct and consistent factor.

Question 8

Which of the following theories suggest that the waste byproducts of normal cellular activity actually cause the problems associated with aging?
A) telomerease theory
B) free radical theory
C) metabolic discharge theory
D) reuptake theory

Accepted Answer

The free radical theory suggests that the waste byproducts of normal cellular activity, specifically the accumulation of reactive oxygen species or free radicals, cause damage to cells and contribute to aging.

Question 9

Damaged and dying neurons sometimes collect around a core of protein and produce ________, which likely interferes with the normal functioning of other, healthy neurons.
A) neurofibrillary tangles
B) neuritic plaques
C) free radicals
D) antioxidant telomeres

Accepted Answer

Neuritic plaques are aggregates of beta-amyloid protein that form in the spaces between nerve cells. They are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and are thought to contribute to the disruption of neuronal function.

Question 10

Genetic factors appear to play _____ role in determining whether people reach centenarian status.
A) no
B) a minimal
C) some
D) a major

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that genetic factors play a major role in determining whether people reach centenarian status. This is evidenced by the fact that longevity tends to run in families and that centenarians often have genetic variations that protect them from age-related diseases. However, it is important to note that environmental factors such as lifestyle and diet also play a significant role in achieving long life.

Question 11

Currently, scientists estimate that 120 years is the _________ for human beings, because there is a limit to how long certain organ systems can last without replacement.
A) maximum life expectancy
B) longevity
C) useful life expectancy
D) average life expectancy

Accepted Answer

The phrase "maximum life expectancy" refers to the longest amount of time that a human being can potentially live, and this is the best fit for the given context. Option B, "longevity," is a related term that refers to the overall duration of an individual's life, but does not necessarily imply a specific upper limit. Option C, "useful life expectancy," is not a commonly used term and may be confusing to readers. Option D, "average life expectancy," refers to the statistical average age at which a population is expected to die, rather than an individual's potential maximum lifespan.

Question 12

Of countries examined, the lowest life expectancy is 38 years in _________.
A) Sana'a, Yemen
B) Brasilia, Brazil
C) Sierra Leone, Africa
D) Sri Jayawardenapura-Kotte, Sri Lanka

Accepted Answer

According to the information given, the lowest life expectancy is 38 years, and this is in Sierra Leone, Africa. The other options provided do not have the lowest life expectancy as specified in the question.

Question 13

____ is best explained by the wear-and-tear theory of aging.
A) AIDS
B) Joint deterioration during osteoarthritis
C) A misshapen blood cell in sickle-cell disease
D) Alzheimer's disease

Accepted Answer

The wear-and-tear theory of aging suggests that the body accumulates damage over time from use, stress, and injury, leading to deterioration and dysfunction. Joint deterioration during osteoarthritis is an example of this type of age-related damage.

Question 14

What best describes the potential role of telomeres in the aging process?
A) They are the packets of fuel that feed each cell.
B) They are "glue" that binds together the base pairs of DNA molecules.
C) They are the scrubber cells that clear all debris from our arteries.
D) They are a portion of a chromosome that gets shorter until DNA replication is no longer possible.

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are the protective end caps of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division until they reach a critical length, which leads to cellular senescence and eventually cell death. This process is thought to contribute to the aging process and the development of age-related diseases.

Question 15

Which theory of aging would be most useful at explaining why muscle tissue and some arteries get stiffer over time, leading to potentially severe consequences?
A) free radical theory
B) cross-linking theory
C) programmed theory
D) wear-and-tear theory

Accepted Answer

The cross-linking theory suggests that over time, proteins like collagen in our bodies may become linked together, leading to stiffness in tissues such as muscle and arteries. This can potentially cause severe consequences such as decreased mobility or increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Question 16

The longevity of women tends to be higher than that of men in most developed countries, but that advantage is not found in developing countries. Which of the following is a reason for this loss of extra female longevity?
A) Women are more susceptible to fatal infections in developing countries, because they do not work outside of the home and are not physiologically able to develop natural immunities.
B) Women are not provided with health care in many developing countries, and thus often die before the age of 30 years.
C) There is more female death in childbirth in developing countries, which partially explains the loss of female longevity advantage.
D) The rates of honor killings of women are so high in developing countries that the longevity advantage is eliminated.

Accepted Answer

The higher rate of female mortality in childbirth in developing countries reduces the overall advantage of extra female longevity seen in developed countries. Option A is incorrect because women working outside of the home does not have a direct correlation with the development of natural immunities. Option B is incorrect because while lack of healthcare is an issue, it does not eliminate the extra female longevity advantage. Option D is incorrect because though honor killings are a problem in some developing countries, they are not widespread enough to eliminate the female longevity advantage.

Question 17

Ruphail is a European American child who was born yesterday. Donald is an African American child who was also born yesterday. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement about these two children?
A) Ruphail begins his life with a lower maximum life expectancy than Donald.
B) Donald begins his life with a lower useful life expectancy than Ruphail.
C) Ruphail begins his life with a lower longevity than Donald.
D) Donald begins his life with a lower average life expectancy than Ruphail.

Accepted Answer

Based on current statistical data, Donald begins his life with a lower average life expectancy than Ruphail. This is because African Americans tend to have shorter life expectancies compared to European Americans due to various socio-economic and health disparities. It is important to note that this does not mean that Donald will necessarily have a shorter life than Ruphail, as life expectancy is a statistical measure and individual outcomes can vary.

Question 18

The innate ability of human cells to self-destruct, the clocklike changes in some hormones, and the decline of effectiveness of the human immune system are all factors that lend support to ________ theories of aging.
A) wear-and-tear
B) programmed
C) error
D) diathesis

Accepted Answer

The description matches the programmed theory of aging, which proposes that aging is a genetically determined process that follows a predictable timeline due to the activation of certain genes. The other options do not fit the given descriptions as closely.

Question 19

Salvatore is discussing the issue of aging and death with some of his classmates. "I don't know about the rest of you," he says, "but I think that we're all born with a predetermined amount of time that we are going to live, and there isn't much we can do to extend that time." Salvatore seems to be a proponent of ________ theories of aging.
A) error
B) damage
C) programmed
D) longevity

Accepted Answer

Salvatore's belief in a predetermined amount of time aligns with the programmed theory of aging, which suggests that there is a genetic program that controls the process of aging and ultimately leads to death. Option A, error theories of aging, propose that aging occurs due to environmental damage or errors in the body's functioning. Option B, damage theories of aging, suggest that aging occurs due to accumulated damage to the body over time. Option D, longevity theories of aging, focuses on factors that promote longevity and healthy aging rather than explaining the underlying causes of aging. Since Salvatore seems to believe that there is a fixed timeline for each individual, the programmed theory of aging is the most appropriate choice.

Question 20

Which part of a normal human neuron gets twisted together to form a neurofibrillary tangle?
A) neurotransmitters
B) somas
C) dendrites
D) axons

Accepted Answer

Neurofibrillary tangles are primarily composed of twisted filaments of a protein called tau, which is normally found in axons. Therefore, the answer is axons (option D).

Quiz 14: The Personal Context of Later Life: Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Issues

Because neurons do not physically touch each other, they must use ________ in order to communicate.

The tips of chromosomes, which may play a role in the manner in which we age, are called ________.

_________ are chemicals that are produced randomly during normal cell metabolism that bond easily to other substances inside of cells. They can cause damage and impair cellular functioning.

Perhaps you've seen commercials on television that advertise skin products that "reduce free radicals and enhance your youthful appearance." These products are actually forwarding a ________ theory of aging.

Dr. Gregoire is interested in studying detailed images of the anatomical features of his patient's brain. He will be most eager to have that patient undergo ________ neuroimaging, such as a CT scan or MRI.

One current theory of why cancer cells can replicate so rapidly and why they may, in fact, be able to live with no time limits, is because they

A large number of ________ in the brain has been found to have an association with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Which of the following theories suggest that the waste byproducts of normal cellular activity actually cause the problems associated with aging?

Damaged and dying neurons sometimes collect around a core of protein and produce ________, which likely interferes with the normal functioning of other, healthy neurons.

Genetic factors appear to play _____ role in determining whether people reach centenarian status.

Currently, scientists estimate that 120 years is the _________ for human beings, because there is a limit to how long certain organ systems can last without replacement.

Of countries examined, the lowest life expectancy is 38 years in _________.

____ is best explained by the wear-and-tear theory of aging.

What best describes the potential role of telomeres in the aging process?

Which theory of aging would be most useful at explaining why muscle tissue and some arteries get stiffer over time, leading to potentially severe consequences?

The longevity of women tends to be higher than that of men in most developed countries, but that advantage is not found in developing countries. Which of the following is a reason for this loss of extra female longevity?

Ruphail is a European American child who was born yesterday. Donald is an African American child who was also born yesterday. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement about these two children?

The innate ability of human cells to self-destruct, the clocklike changes in some hormones, and the decline of effectiveness of the human immune system are all factors that lend support to ________ theories of aging.

Which part of a normal human neuron gets twisted together to form a neurofibrillary tangle?