30-40 N

programmed, then this implies that definite molecular alterations on the level of transcription or translation should be observable, and furthermore, it should be possible (theoretically at least) to accelerate, decelerate, or even reverse these events by the appropriate manipulation of molecular events. Furthermore, we would expect that naturally-occurring mutations may occasionally hit upon some of these relevant genes with resulting alterations in the normal course of aging in the individual. I will next review the current literature for data supporting or contradicting the above-mentioned predictions of the programmed aging theory.