摘要: The molecular mechanisms of aging are most fully understood for the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recent advances in our understanding this organism have enabled researchers to answer some fundamental questions about process. Is due a multitude ‘mechanisms’ or can there be key few? Can we design single-gene mutations that will prolong life? life whilst maintaining health and fecundity? various contributing factors longevity, uncovered thus far, fall into three classes: DNA metabolism, heterochromatin, metabolic activity. However, these separate classes may actually represent different aspects same mechanism based on genome stability. This review examines recent discusses their relevance, if any, human condition.