Final answer:
Aging theories include the free radical theory that links oxidative stress to aging, and the concept of telomeres, protective sequences that shorten with cell division, influencing cellular aging.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theories of Aging and Related Concepts
The three theories of aging within the context of biology are the free radical theory, the telomere shortening theory, and the hormonal stress theory. Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences at the ends of chromosomes, which protect them from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes. As cells divide, telomeres shorten, eventually leading to cellular aging and loss of cell division. On the other hand, free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron that can cause oxidative stress and damage cells, contributing to aging and age-related diseases.
Free Radical Theory of Aging suggests that oxidative stress from an accumulation of free radicals leads to cellular damage and contributes to aging. Although evidence from various organisms supports this, the correlation is not consistent across all species.
Overall, understanding and potentially manipulating elements like telomeres and oxidative stress could play a role in addressing the physiological and anatomical effects of aging.