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Asked by x.isma.xx to Anais, katy, Lauren, Richard, Stuart on 8 Mar 2016.
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Lauren Laing answered on 8 Mar 2016:
This is a great question. I agree that it is fascinating how when you hurt yourself your body can repair. Each cell in your body contains exactly the same genetic code or DNA. When you damage your skin, for example a cut or a graze, the bleeding is stopped by small cells in your blood called platelets. These cells gather at the site of the bleed and form a blood clot, sealing the wound and preventing bleeding, this is the scab. Another type of cell found in the blood, white blood cells, then arrive and help to destroy any bacteria or infection to keep your wound clean. The white blood cells carry away any bacteria or dirt in the wound. After this, the DNA or genetic code instructions the formation of new skin cells in order to repair the wound beneath the scab.
Other types of damage to your body can be permanent as the cells cannot be replaced. This can include things like nerve damage, or spinal injuries. When the DNA itself becomes damaged, the body also has mechanisms to repair this damage, or replace the cells altogether. However, over time, some damage will not be repaired and will remain in our DNA. Scientists think this damage and a decrease in the body’s ability to repair or replace these cells, may be an important component of ageing.
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Stuart Atkinson answered on 8 Mar 2016:
Great answer Lauren. I can’t add to that, other than it was asked by someone else ‘is ageing inevitable’ and I mentioned yes because of the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Ultimately things do get old and wear out. But the human body is amazing, as you can see it constantly fighting against nature and wear and tear to replicate and mend itself.
If you break something like a plate, it’ll still be broken a week later if you leave it – there’s nothing else like the body in this respect. It’s like coming back to the kitchen and the plate having fixed itself.
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