Mitochondria and the process of cellular aging

Abstract

Today, the explanation for aging is largely based on the free radical theory of aging. However, although progress has been made in elucidating the mechanism by which free radicals damage cells, much is still unknown about the full role and effects of free radicals in the body. This paper will describe some aspects of the "Free Radical Theory of Aging" in several ways. First, it will explain the structure and function of mitochondria in the cell and describe how mitochondria produce free radicals. Then, it will detail the effects of free radicals on mitochondria as well as the possibility of mitochondrial regulation of cell longevity. The paper will conclude with an exploration of the current options for drug regulation of free radicals in the human body. (from Introduction)