Cellular aging

Cellular Aging

Cellular aging (pronunciation: /sɛljʊlər eɪdʒɪŋ/) is a biological process that leads to a progressive decline in the functional capacity of cells, eventually resulting in cell death.

Etymology

The term "cellular aging" is derived from the Latin word "cellula" meaning "a small room" and the Old English word "agenian" meaning "to grow old".

Definition

Cellular aging refers to the process by which a cell becomes old and loses its ability to function properly. This process is influenced by a variety of factors including DNA damage, oxidative stress, and telomere shortening.

Mechanisms of Cellular Aging

There are several mechanisms through which cellular aging occurs:

• DNA Damage: Over time, cells accumulate DNA damage due to environmental factors and errors in DNA replication. This can lead to mutations and cellular dysfunction.

• Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cell's ability to detoxify these harmful molecules. This can lead to damage to cellular components and contribute to aging.

• Telomere Shortening: Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Each time a cell divides, its telomeres shorten. When telomeres become too short, the cell can no longer divide and becomes senescent or dies.

Related Terms

• Senescence: This is the state in which a cell loses its ability to divide and function properly. It is a key aspect of cellular aging.

• Apoptosis: Also known as programmed cell death, apoptosis is a process that occurs when a cell is damaged beyond repair. It is a mechanism to prevent the propagation of damaged cells.

• Autophagy: This is a process by which cells recycle their own components to provide necessary building blocks and energy. Autophagy can be influenced by aging and can impact the aging process.

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