Cell death may spur aging

Genetic mutations in cells’ internal powerhouses could contribute to aging by stifling tissue maintenance, according to new research.

OL’ MUTANT. Excess mutations in cells’ power-generating organelles have aged the mouse on the right far faster than the normal mouse of the same age at left. J. Miller

These power-generating organelles, known as mitochondria, have their own DNA separate from that in a cell’s nucleus.