Question 1

Telomeres are found exclusively on

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are found at the very tips of chromosomes and are essential for maintaining the stability and integrity of the chromosome during cell division. They consist of repetitive DNA sequences and associated proteins, and serve as protective caps that prevent the loss of genetic information or damage to the chromosome ends. Telomeres are not found exclusively in neurons or cancer cells, nor are they exclusive to the X and Y sex chromosomes.

Question 2

If the programmed cell theory of ageing is correct

Accepted Answer

The programmed cell theory of aging suggests that humans are born with a predetermined lifespan, or a "prewired death clock." This means that regardless of external factors such as stress levels or diet, everyone has a set point at which their cells will stop dividing and lead to the aging process.

Question 3

While looking at slides of brain tissue in a physiology class, a student sees groups of damaged neurons that have collected around a core of protein. What is the student looking at?

Accepted Answer

The student is looking at neuritic plaques, which are aggregates of damaged neurons and protein that are commonly found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. None of the other answer choices (neurotransmitters, neurofibrillary tangles, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are relevant to this particular observation.

Question 4

One common characteristic of the Fourth Age is

Accepted Answer

The Fourth Age, often referring to the later years of life, is commonly associated with increased health challenges, including a higher prevalence of dementia.

Question 5

The Third Age is to the Fourth Age as ____ is to ____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Third Age is to the Fourth...

Question 6

____ are chemicals produced during normal cell metabolism that may cause cellular damage that impairs functioning.

Accepted Answer

Free radicals are chemicals produced during normal cell metabolism that have unpaired electrons and may cause cellular damage by stealing electrons from other molecules in the body, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. This damage can impair cellular functioning and contribute to various diseases and aging processes. Neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques are specific types of damage found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, while transient ischemic attacks are temporary episodes of reduced blood flow to the brain.

Question 7

The Fourth Age is also characterised as

Accepted Answer

The Fourth Age is typically associated with the oldest-old, which refers to individuals who are over the age of 85 and may require significant assistance with daily living activities. This population is also known for being at higher risk for health issues and social isolation.

Question 8

Fifty-year-old Katlego is informed by his doctor that his brain is showing signs of the initial development of neuritic plaques and a few neurofibrillary tangles. This is

Accepted Answer

The presence of some neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles can be a normal part of aging, especially in older adults, and does not definitively indicate a specific neurodegenerative disease.

Question 9

Mondli is currently experiencing 'the Third Age'. He could best be described as one of the

Accepted Answer

The third age is typically defined as the period from age 65-79, where individuals are no longer in the workforce but are still active and healthy. Mondli is likely in this age range as he experiences the third age, so the best choice is A) young-old.

Question 10

Concerning brain imaging, MRI is to fMRI as ____ is to ____.

Accepted Answer

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and is a type of brain imaging that produces detailed images of brain structures. fMRI stands for functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and is a type of brain imaging that measures changes in blood flow in the brain to detect brain activity related to specific tasks or functions. Therefore, the relationship between MRI and fMRI can be described as structure (MRI) to function (fMRI). The other answer choices do not accurately describe the relationship between MRI and fMRI.

Question 11

When one sees a book titled How neurons communicate with each other, one can be sure it will discuss

Accepted Answer

The title specifically mentions neurons, which are nerve cells that have structures called dendrites that allow them to communicate with other neurons. Working memory and internal aids are not directly related to the topic of neuron communication. Cerebral vascular accidents, also known as strokes, could affect neural communication but are not the focus of the book's title.

Question 12

While doing an autopsy of a brain, Dr Govender shakes her head, saying, 'This is so very sad.' When an assistant asks her what she sees, she says, 'Two words ... deformed axons.' What was the source of Dr Govender's disgust?

Accepted Answer

Deformed axons are a hallmark feature of neurofibrillary tangles, which are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Dr Govender's comment and tone suggest she is disappointed/saddened by the presence of this pathology in the brain she is examining.

Question 13

The cellular theory of ageing focuses on

Accepted Answer

The cellular theory of ageing suggests that ageing is a result of the deterioration of cells over time. This theory is based on the idea that as cells divide, they accumulate damage to their DNA and other cellular components, which eventually leads to cellular dysfunction and death. This process can contribute to the development of many age-related diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease.

Question 14

If one's goal is to get the best image of a brain structure, one should use a

Accepted Answer

The answer of If one's goal is to get the...

Question 15

Wandile has decided to increase his intake of antioxidants like vitamins A and E in order to lower the development of certain age-related diseases and to live longer. The most recent evidence in ageing suggests that Wandile will

Accepted Answer

Recent evidence suggests that while antioxidants may help reduce the risk of certain age-related diseases, they do not necessarily contribute to increased lifespan.

Question 16

When viewed through a microscope, a ____ would most resemble a spiral-shaped mass.

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes, free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons that can cause damage, neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons. Neurofibrillary tangles, on the other hand, are spiral-shaped masses of protein found inside neurons and are a hallmark feature of diseases like Alzheimer's.

Question 17

In explaining why people age and eventually die, Dr Sithole talks about 'free radicals' and how their buildup produces tissue damage. Dr Sithole is promoting a ____ theory of ageing.

Accepted Answer

Dr Sithole is promoting the cellular theory of ageing, which attributes the aging process to the accumulation of damage to cells and tissues caused by free radicals, among other factors.

Question 18

If a neuron becomes extremely tangled

Accepted Answer

If a neuron becomes extremely tangled, information can no longer flow through the neuron. The structure of the neuron is essential for its function and communication with other neurons. Tangled or damaged neurons can result in a variety of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease.

Question 19

Which of these best describes the potential role of telomeres in the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are repeated sequences of DNA at the end of chromosomes that protect the genetic material from damage or fusion with other chromosomes. They shorten naturally with each cell division until they become too short for further division, leading to cellular aging and dysfunction. This process is believed to be a key factor in the aging process of organisms. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. The other options are incorrect because telomeres do not have those functions.

Question 20

Which would most dramatically impact the levels of free radicals in one's body?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which would most dramatically impact the levels...

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