Article
Article
Cell senescence
Article By:
Hayflick, Leonard Center for Gerontological Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Last reviewed:April 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.117250
The limited capacity of all normal human and other animal cells to reproduce and function. The gradual decline in normal physiological function of cells is referred to as aging or senescence (Fig. 1). The aging process ends with the death of individual cells and then, generally, the whole animal. Aging occurs in all animals, except those that do not reach a fixed body size, such as some tortoises, sharks, and sturgeon. These animals die as the result of accidents or disease, but losses in normal physiological function do not seem to occur. Examples of cells that do not age are those composing the germplasm (sex cells) and many kinds of cancer cells. These cells are presumed to be immortal. See also: Aging; Cancer; Cell (biology); Death
The content above is only an excerpt.
About AccessScience
AccessScience provides the most accurate and trustworthy scientific information available.
Recognized as an award-winning gateway to scientific knowledge, AccessScience is an amazing online resource that contains high-quality reference material written specifically for students. Contributors include more than 10,000 highly qualified scientists and 46 Nobel Prize winners.
MORE THAN 8700 articles covering all major scientific disciplines and encompassing the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology and McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science & Technology
115,000-PLUS definitions from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms
3000 biographies of notable scientific figures
MORE THAN 19,000 downloadable images and animations illustrating key topics
ENGAGING VIDEOS highlighting the life and work of award-winning scientists
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY and additional readings to guide students to deeper understanding and research
LINKS TO CITABLE LITERATURE help students expand their knowledge using primary sources of information
