Testing the free radical theory of aging: do indicators of oxidative damage predict lifespan?

Although age is the major risk factor for the major causes of death in humans, we still do not know what causes organisms to age and die. The free radical theory and its refinement, specifying damage to the mitochondria (which produce the cell s and organism s energy), are the most strongly advocated despite empirical support being far from sufficient. To test these theories, I will use ten strains of Drosophila showing substantial variation for lifespan. I will measure free radical damage to proteins and lipids, and mutations in the DNA of mitochondria with age. The degree of correlation across strains between these indices of early age-related damage and eventual lifespan will indicate the extent of their importance in aging and death.