The day we are born it is certain that we grow old day by day. Aging is inexorable. But many try to challenge this natural phenomenon and even go to the extent of surgical alteration to looks younger. But why we age is still a mystery and to solve it some experts have come with theories that could unfold this unavoidable phase of life.
Orgels Theory of Error
Orgels 1963 hypothesis had the answer for the aging queries. His assumption was that
the DNA is at fault with respect to the problem that occur during the transcription process. According to the theory, these changes consequently led to the death of cells causing aging. Although Orgels theory is overlooked by many now, researchers have in some way paralleled it with the latest research findings.
Hypothesis On Metabolism
Max Rubner, in 1908, discovered the link connecting metabolic rate, longevity and body size and became the pioneer in contributing to the energy consumption hypothesis. The assumption is that all animals are born with specific energy to be consumed and the length of their life is determined by how fast it is used.
This concept in the long run came to be known as the rate of living hypothesis that relates the speed of metabolic rate to the speed of biochemical activity to the speed of aging. Many researches have proved this statement as it has been observed that mammals that live long have a slow or delay in their growth process.
Contradictions to the theory also exist. One of the studies states that mice with low metabolism have short lives than the mice with high metabolism rates. Moreover metabolic rates and survival cannot be linked in many cases. Despite the disregard of this theory of rate of living it is still believed to play a vital role in the process of aging.
Other Theories Of Aging
Many believe that DNA damage and the Free Radical theory can also be the main cause for aging. The DNA damage is a hypothesis where the transmutation or prolonged damage of DNA paves way to aging. Whereas, Free Radical theory purely believes that the main reason for people to grow old are oxidants. The sources of oxidants are many and the most common is the ultra violet rays. Even though researchers do not completely rely on these hypotheses of aging, the data is considered highly significant in modern scientific researches.
Live Long, Look Young
For now none of these conjectures of aging have been completely agreed to by scientists. But these have given them with a strong base for further investigation on this field. The success of these examinations can bring a drastic change in the natures creation, making them live longer.