Properties of Catalase Molecules in Rats of Different Ages

Abstract

The error accumulation theory of aging as proposed by Orgel suggests that senescence results from the time dependent accumulation of altered molecules. Such molecules are envisioned as consequent to a primary error in the synthesis of a single molecule of an enzyme which in itself is involved in macromolecular synthesis. The theoretical prediction that senescence be accompanied by altered populations of molecules has been partially substantiated by the immunological identification of missynthesized isocitrate lyase and fructose 1, 6-diphosphate aldolase in aging nematodes. Similar studies in mammals have demonstrated altered populations of liver aldolase and possibly of skeletal muscle aldolase in old mice.

These investigations were supported by the Masonic Foundation for Medical Research.