Question

The aging process is thought to be initiated at the cellular level. Among the changes that can occur after a certain number of cell divisions is the loss of a cell's ability to respond to growth factors and other signals. Much research into aging is aimed at understanding such loses, with the ultimate goal of extending the human life span. Not everyone, however, agrees that this is a desirable goal. If life expectancy were greatly increased, discuss what might be the social and ecological consequences.

Short answer

Every organism tends to age during a particular period. The advancement in science and technology made researches possible to increase the life expectancy of humans.

The increase in life expectancy can increase the population with several social and ecological consequences such as unemployment, poverty, malnutrition, and physical violence.

Step-by-step solution

Aging and its mechanism

Aging phenomena are common to every organism. Cellular aging is the leading cause of the aging process. The mitochondrial damage that occurs in the cells results in cellular aging.

Since mitochondrion is the powerhouse of the cell, the damage in mitochondria slows down the cellular metabolism.

Life span life expectancy and its increase

The statistical measure that measures the average survival rate of the organism is known as life expectancy. The maximum number of years for an organism to survive is known as its life span.

Life expectancy and life span are directly dependent on the aging of an organism. Much scientific research is carried out to increase the life expectancy of humans by inventing new treatment strategies in the field of medicine.

Social and ecological consequence due to the increase in life expectancy 

The invention of more advanced diagnostic techniques and advanced treatment strategies increases the life expectancy of humans. A century ago, the life expectancy of humans was not this high.

The increase in population is the main effect due to the rise in life expectancy. The social consequences of increasing life expectancy are increased unemployment, poverty, malnutrition in children, child labor, violence, and harassment.

The ecological consequence of the increase in life expectancy is the depletion of natural resources, increased urbanization, deforestation, pollution, ozone depletion, and global warming.