Oxidative damage, ageing, and life-history evolution: where now? Colin Selman, Jonathan D. Blount, Daniel H. Nussey, John R. Speakman  Trends in Ecology & Evolution  Volume 27, Issue 10, Pages 570-577 (October 2012) DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2012.06.006 Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Schematic showing premise behind the oxidative stress theory of ageing (OSTA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced primarily within mitochondria during oxidative phosphorylation, although they are also produced by additional endogenous and exogenous factors. ROS are subsequently neutralised by a network of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, although some ROS always evade these protective systems. It is these ROS that induce oxidative damage to cellular components, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Although mechanisms exist to repair oxidatively-damaged biomolecules, some damage remains. The OSTA hypothesises that it is this oxidative damage that causes cellular attrition, physiological decline, ageing, and ultimately death. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 2012 27, 570-577DOI: (10.1016/j.tree.2012.06.006) Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd Terms and Conditions