Longevity Genes

Words: 1244
Pages: 5
Open Document
A similar method for determining which components of the genome have connections to increased longevity, is to look at the genome of centenarians and look for similarities with other centenarians. This is the method that (The Genetics of Human Longevity) (year) employed when looking for differences between Italian centenarians and the general population of Italy. They looked into the P53 gene, but did not find any specific gene sequence that correlated to increased longevity. However, they did find that Italian centenarians had significantly lower levels of a specific apolipoprotein when compared to the broader Italian community. What is more interesting is the fact that both of these findings came with a catch. With the P53 gene, (The Genetics …show more content…
It has been shown in various studies that reducing an animal’s caloric intake to about half of what is normal has been shown to extend lifespan (Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity Genes), at least it has been shown to be true in mice and dogs. The connections between metabolism and longevity have been well-established both theoretically and through experimentation. It seems that harsh environmental conditions inspire genetic priorities to reorganize and place more importance on survival than other cell processes. Reducing caloric intake simulates mild starvation and therefore creates the harsh environment necessary for focusing on survival. One such trade-off that has been seen in reduced-calorie experiments is the reduced fertility that comes with a longer lifespan (Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity Genes). This was also seen to be true for the previously mentioned dauer phase of roundworms which acts to decrease nutritional requirements at the expense of reproductive capabilities. This dynamic is peculiar because an extended lifespan would not necessarily extend the reproductive years, so it would seemingly have no effect on fitness, as longevity genes are most prevalent in the years where more people typically die, which is not relevant during the main reproductive years. However, a reduced fertility would reduce fitness because it would impact an individual during those reproductive years. This means that while calorie restriction comes with the possibility of decreased fitness, the benefit of calorie restriction would not impact fitness. The net effect of this trade-off would be negative overall, so participation in this event would not be logical, nor would it be favorable in the eyes of natural
Show More

Related Documents: Longevity Genes

Longevity In The United States

Longevity is the number of years that a person can expect to live; longevity is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. Researchers have identified three different types of longevity: average life expectancy, useful life expectancy, and maximum life expectancy (Kail and Cavanaugh, 2013). Average life expectancy, also known as median life expectancy, is the age at which half of the people born in a particular year will have died (Kail and Cavanaugh, 2013). The current average life expectancy…

Words 582 - Pages 3

Natural Selection Theory

expectancy of a gene, the life expectancy of genetic units are expressed in generations, while the life span of a chromosome is only one measly generation. The reasoning behind this is that although the genetic unit may have lasted for generations, the arrangement of sub-units is new. In other words, the genes last long enough generations to serve as a unit of natural selection, therefore passing on to the next survival machine. They are replicators with high copying-fidelity, or longevity in the form…

Words 1230 - Pages 5

Life Expectancy and Longevity Essay

Human Longevity? Overview Everybody was born and one day they will die. It is a universal fact of life; therefore, retarding the process of aging is not only a dream for almost everybody but also a big question for many scientists. Why can some people reach a “ripe old age” and others not? Living long and quality of life are linked together. After many experiments, scientists discovered the factors that affect human longevity. Defining First of all, we need to understand what longevity means…

Words 1780 - Pages 8

Gmo Research Paper

the products from differing perspective. The EPA is responsible for regulating biopesticides, which include toxin such as Bt, under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). If a crop is being engineered genetically to carry a gene for a particular toxin, the EPA have a mandated law that governs the developer to verify that the final toxin result is safe from contaminants that will pollute the environment and they must also conduct a food-safety analysis so that the toxic doesn’t…

Words 836 - Pages 4

Methylation In Epigenetics

Epigenomes are a playbook for the human genetic sequence. The Epigenome instructs genes when to act, how much to express, restrict or inhibit its effects. In the Nova Science video I was surprised to be informed that genes did not have the last say, the epigenome does. What I found to be most interesting was that we can alter our epigenetic heritability for future generations by practicing healthful habits. As the body ages and changes so does our coding in epigenetics. Research Findings Throughout…

Words 1010 - Pages 5

Essay on Psych Study Guide

“choosier” sex. Nature and Nurture Predictors of Homosexuality: NOT liked to nurture. It is liked to our genes, aka Nature. Intelligence, Thought, & Language Fluid Intelligence: Ability to think about relationships among stimuli. Crystallized Intelligence: Knowledge derived from experience. Outcomes Associated With Intelligence: Higher academic success, Job performance, Longevity. Nature Predictors of Intelligence: Parents intelligence correlate to intelligence. Nurture Predictors of…

Words 376 - Pages 2

Heart Failure 06 Essay

Heart Failure What is heart failure? Heart failure (HF) can be caused by any heart condition where the heart’s pumping ability becomes impaired, either because of an abnormality in cardiac structure or function. This results in inadequate perfusion- the inability of the heart to supply adequate oxygenated blood flow to fulfil the body’s needs (the workload). HF can be acute or chronic. Acute HF develops rapidly (over hours or days). Chronic HF develops over month or years and is a long-term condition…

Words 2585 - Pages 11

death by suiside Essay

scientists' projections, the ongoing increase in average lifespan is about to be joined by something never before seen in human history: a rise in the maximum possible age at death. Stem-cell banks, telomerase amplifiers, somatic gene therapy—the list of potential longevity treatments incubating in laboratories is startling. Three years ago a multi-institutional scientific team led by Aubrey de Grey, a…

Words 660 - Pages 3

Living With Alzheimer’s disease Essay

from inherent recessive mutated genes passed from parent to child. Research has supported that the disease is the result of mutations in one of three genes: APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2 and when altered, abnormal protein deposits form amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain provoking the loss of connections between nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain (Marx, 1998). The causes of late-onset Alzheimer disease however are less clear however may be due to a combination of gene mutations along with lifestyle…

Words 2826 - Pages 12

Unit 1 Notes Essay

(proteins) * Human Genome Project: Genome- combo of 2 things, genes & chromosomes * After book came out US got into business to find out how many genes we have * 2/3 Private Industries tried to beat US Government on this; they did better late ‘90s (’97-’98) * 2003 ABSOLUTELY FINISHED * 21st Century anything related to genes is wide open (jobs, research, etc.) * Genes have 500 diseases, within you * 30,000 genes separate us from a chimpanzee (closest relative) * Micro…

Words 1419 - Pages 6