Research Paper Volume 8, Issue 4 pp 777—795

Figure 4. The ability to respond to stress decreases with age. Worms treated with a mild 35°C heat stress exhibit increased resistance to a subsequent more severe heat stress and increased lifespan. To determine how the ability to respond to stress changes with age, worms were exposed to a mild 35°C heat stress for 2 hours at increasing ages (Day 1, Day 3, Day 5, Day 7, Day 9 and Day 11 of adulthood). The following day worms were exposed to a 37°C heat stress while a separate group was used to measure lifespan. Worms were able to respond to heat stress by increasing resistance to heat and by increasing lifespan until day 7 of adulthood inclusive.