Aging, Primary Mechanism

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Abstract
Evidence is summarized indicating that the primary phenomenon in aging is cross -linking between giant molecules, primarily proteins and nucleic acids. Cross-linkage is the only process known by which a single small molecule can drastically change the behavior of two giant molecules. The number of cross-linking agents persent normally in the body is so great that the occurrence of every type of cross-linkage including the known irreversible types is inescapable. Somatic mutations, accumulation of immobilized material and loss of elasticity are secondary to cross -linkage.