Question 1

One current theory of why cancer cells can replicate so rapidly and why they may, in fact, be able to live with no time limits, is because they​
A) ​are not susceptible to the "programmed" longevity in one's genotype.
B) ​are immune to the destructive nature of free radicals.
C) ​have the ability to activate telomeres on the tips of chromosomes.
D) ​replicate human cells so perfectly that they human body cannot fight them.

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells have the ability to activate telomeres on the tips of chromosomes, which enables them to divide indefinitely without reaching a limit on the number of divisions. This is because telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes from shortening during cell division, which can eventually lead to cell death. By activating telomeres, cancer cells circumvent this natural process and are able to continue replicating rapidly without any time limits.

Question 2

What best describes the potential role of telomeres in the aging process?​
A) ​They are the packets of fuel that feed each cell and that become more porous with age.
B) ​They are "glue" that binds together the base pairs of DNA molecules and form weaker bonds with age.
C) ​They are the scrubber cells that clear all debris from our arteries and become less efficient with age.
D) ​They are a portion of a chromosome that gets shorter until DNA replication is no longer possible.

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that get shorter every time a cell divides. Eventually, the telomeres become too short, and cell replication can no longer occur. This process is believed to play a key role in the aging process.

Question 3

Which theory of aging would be most useful at explaining why muscle tissue and some arteries get stiffer over time, leading to potentially severe consequences?​
A) ​free radical theory
B) cross-linking theory​
C) ​programmed theory
D) ​wear-and-tear theory

Accepted Answer

The cross-linking theory proposes that aging occurs as a result of the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are formed when sugars react with proteins and lipids in the body, causing cross-links to form between them. This process results in the stiffening and loss of elasticity of tissues such as muscle and arteries, leading to potentially severe consequences such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.

Question 4

Damaged and dying neurons sometimes collect around a core of protein and produce ____, which likely interferes with the normal functioning of other, healthy neurons.
A) ​neurofibrillary tangles
B) ​neuritic plaques
C) ​free radicals
D) ​antioxidant telomeres

Accepted Answer

Neuritic plaques are aggregates of beta-amyloid protein that form in the spaces between nerve cells. They are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and are thought to contribute to the disruption of neuronal function.

Question 5

International data on average life expectancy can be best described by which of the following statements?
A) ​Life expectancy in various populations worldwide is surprisingly similar.
B) ​Countries around the world differ dramatically in average life expectancy.
C) ​Environmental factors play more of a role in life expectancy than genetics do.
D) ​The lowest average life expectancy in developing countries is 62 years.

Accepted Answer

International data on average life expectancy varies significantly among different countries around the world, with some countries having an average life expectancy of over 80 years while others struggle to reach 50 years. This is due to a range of factors, including healthcare access, lifestyle choices, and economic development. While there may be some similarities between certain populations, the overall picture is one of substantial variation.

Question 6

The tips of chromosomes, which may play a role in the manner in which we age, are called ____.
A) ​telomeres
B) ​free radicals
C) ​beta-amyloids
D) ​neurofibrillary tangles

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are the tips of chromosomes that protect genetic information during cell division. They shorten with each cell division, and this shortening may be a factor in the aging process. Free radicals, beta-amyloids, and neurofibrillary tangles are also associated with aging, but they do not specifically relate to chromosome tips.

Question 7

Ruphail is a European American child who was born yesterday. Donald is an African American child who was also born yesterday. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement about these two children?
A) ​Ruphail begins his life with a lower maximum life expectancy than Donald.
B) ​Donald begins his life with a lower useful life expectancy than Ruphail.
C) ​Ruphail begins his life with a lower longevity than Donald.
D) ​Donald begins his life with a lower average life expectancy than Ruphail.

Accepted Answer

Statistical data and health disparities research in the United States show that African American individuals, on average, have a lower life expectancy than their European American counterparts. This is due to a variety of factors including socioeconomic disparities, access to healthcare, and systemic racism affecting health outcomes.

Question 8

Dr. Gregoire is interested in studying detailed images of the anatomical features of his patient's brain. He will be most eager to have that patient undergo ____ neuroimaging, such as a CT scan or MRI.​
A) ​static
B) ​functional
C) ​structural
D) ​adaptive

Accepted Answer

Structural neuroimaging techniques, such as CT scans or MRI, produce detailed images of the anatomical features of the brain. This type of imaging is most useful for Dr. Gregoire's interest in studying the patient's brain structure. Functional neuroimaging, on the other hand, is concerned with analyzing brain activity during specific tasks or stimuli. Static imaging and adaptive imaging are not commonly used terms in the field of neuroimaging.

Question 9

The innate tendency of human cells to self-destruct, the clocklike changes in some hormones, and the decline of effectiveness of the human immune system are all factors that lend support to ____ theories of aging.​
A) ​wear-and-tear
B) ​programmed
C) ​error
D) ​diathesis

Accepted Answer

The clocklike changes in hormones suggest a programmed aspect to aging, which supports programmed aging theories. The innate tendency of human cells to self-destruct and the decline in effectiveness of the immune system are also consistent with programmed aging theories. Wear-and-tear theories suggest that aging is a result of accumulated damage to the body over time rather than programmed changes, and error theories suggest that aging is due to genetic mutations and other errors that accumulate over time. Diathesis refers to a genetic predisposition to a disorder, which is not directly related to aging theories.

Question 10

Salvatore is discussing the issue of aging and death with some of his classmates. "I don't know about the rest of you," he says, "but I think that we're all born with a predetermined amount of time that we are going to live, and there isn't much we can do to extend that time." Salvatore seems to be a proponent of ____ theories of aging.​
A) ​error
B) ​damage
C) ​programmed
D) ​longevity

Accepted Answer

Salvatore's statement suggests that he believes in the theory of programmed aging, which posits that there is an inherent biological clock within our bodies that determines the length of our lifespan. This theory suggests that there is a limit to how long we can live, and that this limit is predetermined by genes or other biological factors.

Question 11

Which part of a normal human neuron gets twisted together to form a neurofibrillary tangle?​
A) neurotransmitters​
B) ​somas
C) ​dendrites
D) ​axons

Accepted Answer

Neurofibrillary tangles form when the tau protein in axons becomes twisted together, disrupting the normal structure and function of the neuron.

Question 12

Because neurons do not physically touch each other, they must use ____ in order to communicate.
A) ​neurofibrillary tangles
B) ​neurotransmitters
C) ​telomeres
D) ​radicals

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that can cross the synaptic gap between two neurons and bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, allowing for communication between the two neurons without physical contact. Neurofibrillary tangles, telomeres, and radicals are not involved in neuronal communication.

Question 13

The longevity of women tends to be higher than that of men in most developed countries, but that advantage is not found in developing countries. Which of the following is a reason for this loss of extra female longevity?
A) ​Women are more susceptible to fatal infections in developing countries, because they do not work outside of the home and are not physiologically able to develop natural immunities.
B) ​Women are not provided with health care in many developing countries, and thus often die before the age of 30 years.
C) ​There are higher rates of death in childbirth in developing countries, which partially explains the loss of female longevity advantage.
D) ​The rates of honor killings of women are so high in developing countries that the longevity advantage is eliminated.

Accepted Answer

The higher rates of death in childbirth in developing countries contribute to the loss of extra female longevity advantage. Women in these countries do not have access to proper medical care during pregnancy and delivery, leading to greater mortality rates. Option A is incorrect as women frequently work outside the home in developing countries. Option B is incorrect as many countries have health care systems in place but may not be accessible or prioritized for women. Option D is also incorrect as honor killings, while a significant issue, do not impact the general population's longevity.

Question 14

Genetic factors appear to play _____ role in determining how long people will live.
A) ​no
B) ​a minimal
C) ​some
D) ​a major

Accepted Answer

The answer of Genetic factors appear to play _____ role...

Question 15

Currently, scientists estimate that 120 years is the _____ for human beings, because there is a limit to how long certain organ systems can last without replacement.
A) ​maximum life expectancy
B) ​longevity
C) ​useful life expectancy
D) ​average life expectancy

Accepted Answer

The question is asking for the limit to human life expectancy based on the lifespan of certain organ systems. The term "maximum" implies a ceiling or highest possible point, which fits with the context of the question. Additionally, options B, C, and D all refer to some type of life expectancy, but do not specifically address the upper limit or maximum lifespan. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Question 16

_____ are chemicals that are produced randomly during normal cell metabolism that bond easily to other substances inside of cells. They can cause damage and impair cellular functioning.​
A) ​Corticosteroids
B) ​Beta-aminos
C) ​Amyloids
D) ​Free radicals

Accepted Answer

Free radicals are produced randomly during normal cell metabolism and can cause damage and impair cellular functioning by bonding easily to other substances inside of cells.

Question 17

Perhaps you've seen commercials on television that advertise skin products that "reduce free radicals and enhance your youthful appearance." These products are actually forwarding a ____ theory of aging.
A) ​programmed
B) ​damage or error
C) ​longevity
D) ​abnutrition

Accepted Answer

The idea that free radicals cause damage to cells and contribute to aging is a damage or error theory of aging, which proposes that aging results from accumulated damage to cells and tissues over time. This theory is often used to market skin care products that claim to reduce the signs of aging by targeting free radicals. Programmed theories of aging suggest that aging is predetermined by genetic factors, longevity theories propose that aging is caused by the gradual failure of metabolic processes, and abnutrition theories suggest that aging results from deficiencies in nutrition.

Question 18

Which of the following theories suggest that the waste byproducts of normal cellular activity actually cause the problems associated with aging?​
A) ​telomerease theory
B) ​free radical theory
C) ​metabolic discharge theory
D) ​reuptake theory

Accepted Answer

The free radical theory suggests that the waste byproducts of normal cellular activity, called free radicals, cause damage to cells and tissues over time, leading to the problems associated with aging. Telomerase theory suggests that the shortening of telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, contributes to aging. Metabolic discharge theory and reuptake theory are not recognized theories of aging.

Question 19

A large number of ____ in the brain has been found to have an association with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.​
A) ​telomeres
B) ​free radicals
C) ​neurofibrillary tangles
D) ​neurotransmitters

Accepted Answer

Neurofibrillary tangles are abnormal clumps of protein called tau that accumulate inside neurons and disrupt their function. They are a hallmark feature of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Telomeres are protective caps on the end of chromosomes that shorten with age, but their association with dementia is still being researched. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, but their role in dementia is still being studied. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons, but their involvement in dementia is complex and can vary depending on the specific type of dementia.

Question 20

____ is best explained by the wear-and-tear theory of aging.​
A) ​AIDS
B) ​Joint deterioration during osteoarthritis
C) ​Misshapen blood cells in sickle-cell disease
D) ​Alzheimer's disease

Accepted Answer

Joint deterioration during osteoarthritis is best explained by the wear-and-tear theory of aging. This theory suggests that over time, the repeated use of certain mechanisms and tissues causes damage and can lead to deterioration and dysfunction. Osteoarthritis is often associated with age-related joint wear and tear.

Quiz 14: The Personal Context of Later Life: Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Issues.

One current theory of why cancer cells can replicate so rapidly and why they may, in fact, be able to live with no time limits, is because they​

What best describes the potential role of telomeres in the aging process?​

Which theory of aging would be most useful at explaining why muscle tissue and some arteries get stiffer over time, leading to potentially severe consequences?​

Damaged and dying neurons sometimes collect around a core of protein and produce ____, which likely interferes with the normal functioning of other, healthy neurons.

International data on average life expectancy can be best described by which of the following statements?

The tips of chromosomes, which may play a role in the manner in which we age, are called ____.

Ruphail is a European American child who was born yesterday. Donald is an African American child who was also born yesterday. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement about these two children?

Dr. Gregoire is interested in studying detailed images of the anatomical features of his patient's brain. He will be most eager to have that patient undergo ____ neuroimaging, such as a CT scan or MRI.​

The innate tendency of human cells to self-destruct, the clocklike changes in some hormones, and the decline of effectiveness of the human immune system are all factors that lend support to ____ theories of aging.​

Which part of a normal human neuron gets twisted together to form a neurofibrillary tangle?​

Because neurons do not physically touch each other, they must use ____ in order to communicate.

The longevity of women tends to be higher than that of men in most developed countries, but that advantage is not found in developing countries. Which of the following is a reason for this loss of extra female longevity?

Genetic factors appear to play _____ role in determining how long people will live.

Currently, scientists estimate that 120 years is the _____ for human beings, because there is a limit to how long certain organ systems can last without replacement.

_____ are chemicals that are produced randomly during normal cell metabolism that bond easily to other substances inside of cells. They can cause damage and impair cellular functioning.​

Perhaps you've seen commercials on television that advertise skin products that "reduce free radicals and enhance your youthful appearance." These products are actually forwarding a ____ theory of aging.

Which of the following theories suggest that the waste byproducts of normal cellular activity actually cause the problems associated with aging?​

A large number of ____ in the brain has been found to have an association with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.​

____ is best explained by the wear-and-tear theory of aging.​

One current theory of why cancer cells can replicate so rapidly and why they may, in fact, be able to live with no time limits, is because they

What best describes the potential role of telomeres in the aging process?

Which theory of aging would be most useful at explaining why muscle tissue and some arteries get stiffer over time, leading to potentially severe consequences?

Dr. Gregoire is interested in studying detailed images of the anatomical features of his patient's brain. He will be most eager to have that patient undergo ____ neuroimaging, such as a CT scan or MRI.

The innate tendency of human cells to self-destruct, the clocklike changes in some hormones, and the decline of effectiveness of the human immune system are all factors that lend support to ____ theories of aging.

Which part of a normal human neuron gets twisted together to form a neurofibrillary tangle?

_____ are chemicals that are produced randomly during normal cell metabolism that bond easily to other substances inside of cells. They can cause damage and impair cellular functioning.

Which of the following theories suggest that the waste byproducts of normal cellular activity actually cause the problems associated with aging?

A large number of ____ in the brain has been found to have an association with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

____ is best explained by the wear-and-tear theory of aging.