Human Reproduction Development & Ageing - week 12 lecture

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions from the lecture on Human Reproduction, Development, and Ageing.

Ageing

The progressive unfavourable decrease in ability to withstand stress, injury or change, associated with advancing age.

Senescence

The degeneration that happens in organ systems once the age of peak functional efficiency has been reached and exceeded.

Stochastic Theories

Theories that suggest ageing is a result of cellular damage accumulated over a lifetime.

Developmental Theories

Theories that favour genetics as the major cause of ageing.

Telomeres

Specialized structures found at the ends of chromosomes that protect DNA during replication.

Telomerase

An enzyme that can lengthen telomeres, allowing for extended cellular replication.

Progeria

A genetic disorder that causes rapid aging in children due to a mutation for the protein lamin A.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that can damage cell structures and contribute to aging.

Free Radical Theory of Ageing

The theory that oxidative damage by free radicals contributes significantly to aging.

Disposable Soma Theory

The theory suggesting that energy must be allocated between reproduction and maintenance of the organism, leading to aging.