+ MFRTA

Question 1

MFRTA:

Answer 1

• Mitochondrial free radical theory of aging

Question 2

mtROSp:

Answer 2

• Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production

Question 3

What two factors are known to correlate with animal longevity in vertebrates (MFRTA):

Answer 3

• Rate of mtROSp (lower = longer lived)
• Degree of fatty acid unsaturation of tissue (lower = longer lived)

Question 4

Experimental relationship between antioxidant levels and longevity:

Answer 4

• Antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidases, GSH-reductases, SOD etc
• Well studied as they are easy to measure
• Negative correlation found in 21 out of 27 studies, not a single positive -> lower levels of endogenous tissue antioxidants in vertebrates -> greater lifespan
• Long-lived animals appear to need less protective mechanisms against oxidative damage