18. Does mitochondrial dysfunction drive aging?

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a frequent feature of the aging process and can amplify systemic decline through altered energetics, signaling, and metabolite balance. Mitochondria support indispensable functions and generate by-products; selection and maintenance tune this tradeoff. In the deleteriome framework, mitochondrial changes are one channel through which burden accumulates and propagates, but it is not a general driver of aging.