Book Description:
This book presents a comprehensive review of the morphology and function of chromosomes in elderly people. The wide range of topics includes cyclical chromosome properties, mutations, repair, progressive chromosome heterochromatinization with increasing age, roles of nucleolar organizer regions, sister chromatid exchanges, homolog relationships, heterochromatin regions and other chromosomal features in very old age. This ground-breaking book focuses on heterochromatinization as a key determinant of the genetic apparatus function during senescence and an area to seek life-prolonging interventions. The book illustrates and updates progress in the field of cytogenetics of aging. The book contains 16 tables and 25 figures.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Preface
Introduction

Chapter I. Genetic Basis of Aging, pp. 1-10

Chapter II. Mutation, pp. 11-37

Chapter III. Repair, pp. 39-55

Chapter IV. Chromosome Modification, pp. 57-72

Chapter V. Acrocentric Chromosomes, pp. 73-95

Chapter VI. Chromosome Arrangement, pp. 97-104

Chapter VII. Deheterochromatinization of Chromosomes, pp. 105-112

Chapter VIII. General Conclusions, pp. 113-121

Glossary of Terms
References
Index