Give a short description of the programmed ageing theories
1 answer
Programmed aging theories propose that the aging process is genetically programmed and determined by specific biological mechanisms. These theories suggest that organisms are programmed to age and eventually die due to a pre-determined timeline or set of events. Various versions of programmed aging theories include the cellular clock theory, which suggests that cells have a limited replication capacity and eventually stop dividing; the telomere theory, which posits that the shortening of telomeres (protective caps on the ends of chromosomes) leads to aging; and the hormonal theory, which attributes aging to changes in hormone levels and their effects on the body. Programmed aging theories imply that aging and death are an inherent and intentional part of an organism's life cycle, rather than being solely attributed to external factors or random cellular damage.