Question

Discuss the cellular clock theory of aging.

The cellular clock theory of aging is Leonard Hayflick's theory that cells can divide a maximum of about 75 to 80 times, and that as we age, our cells become increasingly less capable of dividing. Based on the ways cells divide, Hayflick places the upper limit of the human life-span potential at about 120 to 125 years of age. In the last decade, scientists have tried to fill in a gap in cellular clock theory. Hayflick did not know why cells die. The answer may lie at the tips of chromosomes, at telomeres, which are DNA sequences that cap chromosomes. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres become shorter and shorter. After about 70 or 80 replications, the telomeres are dramatically reduced, and the cell no longer can reproduce. One study revealed that healthy centenarians had longer telomeres than unhealthy centenarians. And recent studies even have found that shorter telomere length is linked to having worse social relationships, being less optimistic, and showing greater hostility.


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