Biological Aspects of Ageing: Learn the Science Behind the Ageing Process

Question 1

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of cellular senescence?

Accepted Answer

Irreversible cell cycle arrest and reduced metabolic activity

Answer

Reversible cell cycle arrest

Answer

Increased susceptibility to apoptosis

Answer

Enhanced DNA repair mechanisms

Question 2

Which theory is not widely accepted as a primary biological explanation for ageing?

Accepted Answer

Error catastrophe theory

Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Telomere shortening theory

Answer

Mitochondrial theory

Question 3

Which theory suggests ageing results from the gradual accumulation of damage to cellular components?

Accepted Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Telomere shortening theory

Answer

Neuroendocrine theory

Answer

Programmed senescence theory

Question 4

Which of the following theories of ageing is NOT based on biological processes?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary theory

Answer

Wear and tear theory

Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Programmed ageing theory

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a recognized biological mechanism associated with the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

Increased muscle mass

Answer

Oxidative stress

Answer

Telomere shortening

Answer

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Question 6

Which of the following theories of ageing does NOT focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary theory

Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Telomere shortening theory

Answer

Mitochondrial dysfunction theory

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a biological theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Theories of ageism

Answer

Mitochondrial theory

Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Telomere shortening theory

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a scientifically accepted theory of biological ageing?

Accepted Answer

Extraterrestrial radiation theory

Answer

Wear and tear theory

Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Hormonal theory

Question 9

Which biological theory of ageing is not widely accepted?

Accepted Answer

Programmed ageing theory

Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Wear-and-tear theory

Answer

Evolutionary theory

Question 10

Which theory is NOT a recognized biological explanation for ageing?

Accepted Answer

Quantum biology theory of ageing

Answer

Oxidative stress theory

Answer

Telomere shortening theory

Answer

Mitochondrial theory of ageing

Question 11

Cellular senescence is a key factor in the ageing process. Which of the following statements about cellular senescence is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Cellular senescence is a major contributor to the ageing process.

Answer

Cellular senescence allows cells to divide and multiply indefinitely.

Answer

Cellular senescence only occurs in older adults.

Answer

Cellular senescence is a reversible process.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a widely accepted biological theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Quantum ageing

Answer

Oxidative stress

Answer

Telomere shortening

Answer

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Question 13

Which biological theory of ageing does not focus on changes at the cellular level?

Accepted Answer

Rate of living theory

Answer

Oxidative stress theory

Answer

Telomere shortening theory

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic associated with cellular senescence?

Accepted Answer

Increased cell proliferation

Answer

Irreversible cell cycle arrest

Answer

Increased production of inflammatory mediators

Answer

Shortened telomeres

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a widely accepted biological theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Quantum biology theory

Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Telomere shortening theory

Answer

Mitochondrial theory

Question 16

Which statement is **incorrect** regarding telomere shortening and cellular ageing?

Accepted Answer

Telomere shortening plays no direct role in the ageing process.

Answer

Telomeres are protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with cell division.

Answer

Telomerase can replenish telomeres, preventing excessive shortening.

Answer

Telomere shortening is linked to cellular senescence, a state of cell cycle arrest.

Question 17

Telomere shortening is a crucial biological process in cellular ageing. Which of the following options best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

Telomere shortening occurs primarily during cell division.

Answer

Telomere shortening can be reversed through lifestyle changes.

Answer

Telomere shortening affects only somatic cells, not germ cells.

Answer

Telomere shortening solely determines the number of times a cell can divide.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a potential factor contributing to inflammaging, a chronic low-grade inflammation associated with ageing?

Accepted Answer

Increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines

Answer

Activation of the innate immune system

Answer

Genetic susceptibility to inflammatory diseases

Question 19

Which theory proposes that ageing is a consequence of natural selection, where individuals with advanced age have a reduced likelihood of survival and reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary theory

Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Wear-and-tear theory

Answer

Programmed ageing theory

Question 20

Which theory suggests that ageing is a genetically predetermined process?

Accepted Answer

Programmed ageing theory

Answer

Gene silencing theory

Answer

Telomere shortening theory

Question 21

Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely linked to ageing processes, particularly due to its association with increased production of which molecule?

Accepted Answer

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Answer

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

Answer

Nitric oxide (NO)

Answer

Superoxide dismutase (SOD)

Question 22

During ageing, mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to which of the following consequences?

Accepted Answer

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Accepted Answer

Reduced mitochondrial biogenesis

Answer

Enhanced cellular respiration

Answer

Improved DNA repair mechanisms

Question 23

Which characteristic is NOT a recognized hallmark of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced learning ability

Answer

Increased inflammation

Answer

Telomere shortening

Answer

Impaired DNA repair

Question 24

Oxidative stress, a key factor in ageing, can result in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

DNA damage

Answer

Increased cellular respiration

Answer

Enhanced antioxidant production

Question 25

How does telomere shortening contribute to cellular senescence?

Accepted Answer

It limits cell division potential and contributes to the ageing process.

Answer

It activates DNA repair mechanisms, leading to cell cycle arrest and senescence.

Answer

It causes genomic instability and increases the risk of cancer development.

Question 26

Which type of DNA damage is most strongly associated with the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

Oxidative damage to DNA bases

Answer

Single-strand breaks

Answer

Double-strand breaks

Answer

Depurination and deamination

Question 27

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to the ageing process. Which of the following is its primary consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased DNA damage

Answer

Enhanced protein synthesis

Answer

Improved cellular respiration

Answer

Reduced inflammation

Question 28

During ageing, impaired proteostasis can lead to:

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of protein aggregation and misfolding

Answer

Enhanced cellular repair and maintenance

Answer

Boosted production of molecular chaperones

Answer

Improved cellular resilience to environmental stressors

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to oxidative stress during ageing?

Accepted Answer

Low levels of physical activity

Answer

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Answer

Reduced antioxidant defenses

Question 30

Personalized medicine uses genetic and environmental information to create customized treatments for age-related health issues. What is a possible advantage of this approach?

Accepted Answer

Improved effectiveness of treatments by tailoring them to individual needs.

Answer

Lower healthcare costs for the elderly.

Answer

Elimination of preventive healthcare measures.

Question 31

Question:

Explain the concepts of cognitive reserve and resilience, and discuss their roles in maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of dementia.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive reserve refers to the brain's ability to withstand damage, while resilience is the capacity to adjust to stress.

Answer

Cognitive reserve is the brain's size, while resilience is a measure of brain activity.

Answer

Cognitive reserve and resilience are the same thing.

Answer

Cognitive reserve and resilience are only important for people at high risk of dementia.

Question 32

What is mitochondrial hormesis, and how might it be used to develop interventions that slow down ageing?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial hormesis is the beneficial effect of exposing mitochondria to mild stress, leading to increased function and resilience.

Accepted Answer

Interventions that induce mitochondrial hormesis have shown promise in slowing down ageing and extending lifespan in animal models.

Answer

Mitochondrial hormesis only occurs in young organisms and not in older individuals.

Answer

Mitochondrial hormesis is not a promising area of research for ageing interventions because it is difficult to induce in humans.

Question 33

Evaluate the potential advantages and challenges of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in ageing research and interventions.

Accepted Answer

AI can enhance disease diagnosis and prediction accuracy, enabling more precise interventions.

Accepted Answer

AI automates tasks like data analysis, freeing up researchers for innovative projects.

Accepted Answer

AI may introduce bias if training data doesn't represent the studied population.

Answer

AI advancements are unlikely to replace human researchers, preserving jobs in ageing research.

Question 34

Which of the following best describes the free radical theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

It proposes that ageing is primarily caused by the accumulation of damage to cells and tissues by free radicals over time.

Answer

It is the dominant theory of ageing, explaining all aspects of the ageing process.

Answer

It has been fully supported by experimental evidence and offers a definitive explanation for ageing.

Answer

It is the only theory that has resulted in the development of successful anti-ageing treatments.

Question 35

Define epigenetics and explore its potential impact on ageing and age-related diseases.

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics involves heritable changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics influences ageing by affecting cellular processes like gene expression and DNA repair.

Answer

Epigenetic changes are solely determined by genetics and unaffected by environmental factors.

Answer

Epigenetic changes are always reversible and have no lasting effects on cellular function.

Question 36

Research into senolytic drugs is ongoing. How promising are the current findings, and what are the potential benefits and risks of using these drugs to treat age-related diseases?

Accepted Answer

Preclinical studies show promise, but human trials are still underway. More research is needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness.

Answer

Senolytic drugs have not yet been proven safe and effective for treating all age-related diseases.

Answer

Senolytic drugs are ineffective because senescent cells do not contribute to ageing.

Question 37

How do age-related changes in organ systems impact overall bodily function and contribute to the development of age-related diseases?

Accepted Answer

Age-related organ system changes can impair bodily function, increasing the risk of age-related diseases.

Answer

Age-related organ system changes do not affect bodily function or the development of age-related diseases.

Answer

Age-related organ system changes improve bodily function, reducing the risk of age-related diseases.

Answer

Age-related organ system changes only affect bodily function in individuals over the age of 80.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a hallmark of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Increased telomere length

Answer

Genomic instability

Answer

Epigenetic alterations

Answer

Loss of proteostasis

Question 39

Which of the following genetic factors has been strongly linked to increased longevity?

Accepted Answer

Klotho gene polymorphisms

Answer

APOE-ε4 allele

Answer

BRCA1 mutations

Answer

Huntington's disease gene

Question 40

The accumulation of senescent cells during ageing is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Age-related diseases

Answer

Increased tissue repair capacity

Answer

Reduced inflammation

Answer

Enhanced immune function

Question 41

Which of the following lifestyle factors has been shown to promote successful ageing?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Excessive alcohol consumption

Answer

High-fat diet

Answer

Chronic smoking

Question 42

The immune system undergoes significant changes during ageing, a phenomenon known as:

Accepted Answer

Immunosenescence

Answer

Immunodeficiency

Answer

Autoimmunity

Answer

Increased immune responsiveness

Question 43

Which of the following is a known risk factor for accelerated ageing?

Accepted Answer

Smoking

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Balanced diet

Answer

Adequate sleep

Question 44

Which of the following is a genetic theory of ageing that suggests the progressive shortening of telomeres is a key factor?

Accepted Answer

Telomere shortening theory

Answer

Hayflick limit theory

Answer

Programmed senescence theory

Answer

Mitochondrial free radical theory

Question 45

Which of the following is a key concept in the 'disposable soma' theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Organisms that invest more resources in reproduction age faster

Answer

Ageing is a genetically programmed process

Answer

Free radicals are the primary cause of ageing

Answer

DNA damage is an inevitable consequence of ageing

Question 46

Which of the following is a potential benefit associated with successful ageing?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of life experience and wisdom

Answer

Increased vulnerability to chronic diseases

Answer

Decline in cognitive function

Answer

Reduced physical mobility

Question 47

Which of the following is an example of an age-related change in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Decreased reaction time

Answer

Enhanced spatial memory

Answer

Increased levels of creativity

Answer

Improved problem-solving abilities

Question 48

Which of the following is a key biological change that occurs during ageing?

Accepted Answer

Reduced DNA repair capacity

Answer

Increased cell proliferation

Answer

Enhanced immune response

Answer

Accelerated metabolism

Question 49

Which of the following is considered a non-modifiable risk factor for ageing?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Physical inactivity

Answer

Poor nutrition

Question 50

The Hayflick limit refers to:

Accepted Answer

The maximum number of times a cell can divide

Answer

The maximum lifespan of a human being

Answer

The rate at which DNA telomeres shorten with each cell division

Answer

The point at which the body's organs begin to fail

Question 51

Which of the following is a characteristic of sarcopenia?

Accepted Answer

Loss of muscle mass and strength

Answer

Increased bone density

Answer

Improved cardiovascular function

Answer

Enhanced cognitive abilities

Question 52

Which hormone plays a key role in regulating metabolic processes during ageing?

Accepted Answer

Insulin

Answer

Glucagon

Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Growth hormone

Question 53

Which cellular mechanism is primarily responsible for age-related DNA damage and mutations?

Accepted Answer

Oxidative stress

Answer

DNA replication errors

Answer

Epigenetic changes

Answer

Ultraviolet radiation

Question 54

Which of the following is a lifestyle factor associated with accelerated biological ageing?

Accepted Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Healthy diet

Answer

Sufficient sleep

Question 55

Which non-pharmacological therapy has shown promising results in improving cognitive function in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive stimulation therapy

Answer

Art therapy

Answer

Physical therapy

Answer

Music therapy

Question 56

Which of the following is a key component of the salutogenic model of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Resilience and coping mechanisms

Answer

Compression of morbidity

Answer

Frailty and disability

Answer

Dependence on healthcare services

Question 57

Which characteristic is NOT associated with cellular ageing?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced protein synthesis

Answer

Diminished cell division

Answer

Increased cell size

Answer

Accumulation of DNA damage

Question 58

Which lifestyle factor is known to accelerate the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

Tobacco smoking

Answer

Regular physical activity

Answer

Balanced nutrition

Answer

Adequate sleep

Question 59

Which genetic mutation is associated with accelerated ageing?

Accepted Answer

Werner syndrome

Answer

BRCA1

Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Fragile X syndrome

Question 60

How do external factors, such as social isolation and air pollution, impact the ageing process and health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Social isolation can accelerate ageing, while air pollution contributes to age-related diseases.

Answer

External factors have no significant influence on ageing and health.

Answer

Air pollution slows ageing, and social isolation enhances mental well-being in older adults.

Question 61

How does epigenetics contribute to the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics influences gene expression and cellular functions, contributing to ageing.

Answer

Epigenetics directly alters DNA sequences, causing irreversible ageing.

Answer

Epigenetics only affects early development and has no role in ageing.

Answer

Epigenetics can fully reverse ageing by restoring youthful gene expression patterns.

Question 62

What is immunosenescence and how does it impact the immune system's ability to fight infections and age-related illnesses?

Accepted Answer

Immunosenescence is the decline in immune function with age, increasing the risk of infections and age-related diseases.

Answer

Immunosenescence is the increase in immune function with age, decreasing the risk of infections and age-related diseases.

Answer

Immunosenescence has no effect on the immune system's response to infections and age-related diseases.

Question 63

The 'free radical theory of ageing' postulates that ageing is primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Oxidative damage

Answer

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Answer

Genetic mutations

Answer

Telomere shortening

Question 64

Which of the following is a non-modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Obesity