title: [Knowledge and destiny or longevity and old age: the heritage of Homo sapiens].
abstract: Several theories have been proposed to explain ageing: limitation of the number of cell divisions or Hayflick's limit, the genetic theory, the action of free radicals, immune deficiency, etc. All of these theories share several points in common: their genetic determinism or repercussions which appear to be part of the heritage of complex organisms. Progress in genetics with chromosome decoding to localise genes and genetic manipulations or control of gene expression will probably allow an increased life expectancy, perhaps in the near future.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Goddio
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D002470:Cell Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male
vernacular_title: Le savoir et le destin ou longévité et vieillesse: l'héritage d'Homo sapiens.