Aging and Cells

Cancer Results from uncontrolled cellular division Cells are termed neoplasm or tumor Treated with chemotherapy Stops cell division by inhibiting the formation of mitotic spindles Cancer drugs also kill any type of rapidly dividing cells, causing side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, hair loss, fatigue, and weakened immune system

http://hardinmd.lib.uiowa.edu/cancerpictures2.html http://www.tobaccofacts.info/oral_cancer.htm

Aging Geriatrics- branch of science specialized for the medical care of elderly people Gerontology- is the scientific study of the process and problems associated with aging Telomeres- specific DNA sequences at the top of chromosomes Protect the DNA from erosion and from sticking to one another Shortening of telomeres contributes to aging and death of cells

Aging cont. Glucose Free radicals Added to proteins creating irreversible cross-links between adjacent proteins With advanced aging, more cross-links form which contribute to the stiffening and loss of elasticity that occurs in aging Free radicals Produce oxidative damage in lipids, proteins, or nucleic acids Causes wrinkled skin, stiff joints, and hardened arteries

Aging Disorders Progeria Werner’s Syndrome Normal development first few years followed by rapid aging Caused by a genetic defect with telomeres (they shorten) Includes dry and wrinkled skin, total baldness, and birdlike facial features Death occurs around age 13 Werner’s Syndrome Rare, inherited disease that causes rapid aging in 20’s Characterized by wrinkling of skin, graying of hair and baldness, cataracts, and muscular atrophy Tendency to develop diabetes mellitus, cancer, and cardiovascular disease Usually die before 50

http://prizedwriting. ucdavis http://prizedwriting.ucdavis.edu/past/2007-2008/a-race-against-time-an-overview-of-progeria-and-its-clinical-symptoms

http://www.pathology.washington.edu/research/werner/ http://www.bio.davidson.edu/courses/molbio/molstudents/spring2003/mccord/wrn.htm