Question 1

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

When cells produce energy, they create free radicals as a byproduct. Free radicals are highly reactive and can cause oxidative stress in cells, which damages cellular structures such as DNA, proteins, and lipids. Over time, this can lead to age-related abnormalities and diseases.

Question 3

Telomeres __________.

Accepted Answer

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes from degradation or fusion with neighboring chromosomes.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The "random events" view suggests that mutations occur spontaneously or are caused by external factors, and as these mutations accumulate, there is a higher likelihood of abnormal, cancerous cells being produced. This view does not suggest any changes in cell repair efficiency or telomere length.

Question 5

Telomere shortening predicts __________.

Accepted Answer

Telomere shortening is a natural process that happens as we age, but it also correlates with certain diseases and earlier death. As telomeres shorten, they become less effective in protecting the ends of chromosomes from damage and eventually, this can lead to cell death or dysfunction, contributing to age-related diseases and a shortened lifespan.

Question 6

Mounting evidence indicates that free radicals __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mounting evidence indicates that free radicals __________.
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Question 7

Decreased vigor of the immune response seems to be __________.

Accepted Answer

Decreased vigor of the immune response is genetically programmed, but it is intensified by other aging processes. While random events and elevated free-radical activity may also contribute to aging and decreased immune response, they are not the main causes of the decline. Separation of protein fibers is not directly related to immune response.

Question 8

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

Telomeres are protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with age and lifestyle choices. Telomerase is an enzyme that can lengthen telomeres, promoting cellular longevity. Studies have shown that healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity, can increase telomerase activity and slow the rate of telomere shortening. Therefore, Lorenzo's lifestyle changes are likely to increase telomerase activity.

Question 9

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 of human cells having a limited lifespan supports the existence of aging genes, which regulate the aging process and determine how long cells can divide before reaching senescence. This supports the theory that aging is genetically programmed.

Question 10

The physical changes of the adult years are __________.

Accepted Answer

The physical changes of the adult years are multidimensional (involving multiple aspects such as physical, cognitive, social, etc.) and multidirectional (some aspects may improve while others decline). The changes are not the same for everyone, thus they are not universal. They are also not stagelike as there is no predetermined sequence of changes that everyone follows.

Question 11

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 12

Which statement is true about free-radical damage?

Accepted Answer

Free-radical damage increases with age due to cumulative exposure to environmental factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and poor diet. This damage can lead to oxidative stress and cellular damage, which can contribute to age-related diseases and physiological decline.

Question 13

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 of protein fibers in the body's connective tissue. Certain vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, can help prevent the formation of cross-links.

Question 14

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 15

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

Accepted Answer

The safest approach for protecting the health of the endocrine system is through a healthy lifestyle that includes a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity. This helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which can adversely affect the endocrine system. Hormone therapy and genetic reconstruction should only be pursued under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional for specific medical conditions. Increasing body fat is not a recommended approach as excess body fat can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

The fact that longevity appears to run in families suggests that genetics may play a significant role in the aging process, supporting the genetically programmed theory of aging. Wear-and-tear theory suggests that aging is simply the result of accumulated damage to the body over time, which does not necessarily explain why some individuals are able to live much longer than others. Cross-linkage theory suggests that aging occurs due to the buildup of cross-linked proteins, which can cause cellular dysfunction and damage, but this theory is not directly supported by kinship studies. Random events theory suggests that aging is a result of chance occurrences that accumulate over time, and again, this does not explain why some individuals are more likely to live to a very old age than others.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Telomerase __________.

Accepted Answer

Telomerase is an enzyme that can add nucleotides to the end of telomeres, therefore lengthening them. This can extend the lifespan of cells and delay the onset of cell senescence.

Question 19

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

Current research suggests that longevity is not solely inherited and that people may inherit risk and protective factors that influence their chances of dying earlier or later. While genetics do play a role in lifespan, the heritability of longevity is not as high as other traits, with estimates ranging from .15 to .30. Random events and environmental factors also play a significant role in determining lifespan.

Question 20

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.

Quiz 13: Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood