DNA 101 - DNA and Aging

Spavelous Weekly Spa Magazine

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DNA 101 …basic biology

DNA is the abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the genetic material present in the cells of all living organisms. DNA is the fundamental building block for an individual's entire genetic makeup. A person's DNA is the same in every cell (with a nucleus). The DNA in a person's blood is the same as the DNA in their skin cells, semen, and saliva.

DNA is comprised of four building blocks called bases. The building blocks are: Cytosine, Guanine, Thymine, Adenine. These are commonly referred to as C, G, T, A. It is the order (sequence) of these building blocks that determines each person's genetic characteristics.

DNA is contained in blood, semen, skin cells, tissue, organs, muscle, brain cells, bone, teeth, hair, saliva, mucus, perspiration, fingernails, urine, feces and each and every cell of your body and waste products.

Aging is a process that eventually affects all of us. We can all point out the signs of aging like wrinkles, getting shorter and gray hair. However, how and why we age is still mostly unknown to the scientists who study the process of aging.

There are two current theories of aging. The first is that our genes determine how long we live. The signs of aging and the end of life are programmed in our DNA. The second is that our cells and DNA wear out and get damaged over time eventually leading to the end of life.

Studying the signs of aging can help us distinguish between these two theories. Knowing the mechanism of aging could someday help us change the way we age. If genes are involved, then gene therapy may help us treat the signs of aging. If the amount of DNA damage determines how long we live, then maybe we could protect our DNA somehow to live longer.

If we can find genes involved in some sign of aging, then the first theory would be supported. If we can find damage to the DNA or cells dying as we get older, then maybe genes are not involved in aging. Spas are now beginning to focus on these two theories, and attempt to turn back or slow the hands of time.

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Disclaimer: Information on this web site was gathered from many sources in public domain such as published books, articles, studies and web sites. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Please discuss your health conditions and treatments with your personal physician.