Genetic mutation theory of aging suggests that aging is a result of DNA damage and mutations that accumulate over time. There are several synonyms for this theory, including the DNA damage theory, the genomic instability theory, and the somatic DNA damage theory. All of these terms refer to the idea that as cells divide and replicate, their DNA accumulates mutations which can cause or contribute to the aging process. Other related terms include the telomere shortening theory, which suggests that the shortening of telomeres (the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes) also plays a role in aging. These theories are still being studied and debated, but they offer insight into the complex mechanisms behind aging.