[
Journal of Gerontology,
1988]
Genetic approaches have been used to gain insights into many complex biological phenomena, but until recently most attempts to use genetic approaches to understand aging or senescence processes in metazoans have met with little success. The first review in this series (Martin and Tucker, 1988) surveyed model organisms used in the genetic analysis of aging; here I will review the analysis of life span and of the aging process by means of genetics. Problems inherent in the genetic analysis of aging will be reviewed first. Successful applications of genetics to the phenomena of aging will next be highlighted. Finally, I will present examples of ways in which both molecular and classical genetic approaches can be fruitfully and realistically applied to the study of the aging processes. Where applicable, misinterpretations and possible future directions will be noted.