The ultimate effect of reactive species on cellular function include a. ligand misrecognition b. enzyme dysfunction c. membrane damage d. mutation e. all of above

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The ultimate effects of reactive species on cellular function include ligand misrecognition, enzyme dysfunction, membrane damage, and mutation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding reactive species

Reactive species are unstable molecules or ions that can react with other molecules due to their high reactivity. They are produced as byproducts of cellular metabolism and can also result from exposure to environmental factors like radiation. Examples of reactive species include free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Reactive species can cause damage to cellular components, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to several consequences in cellular function.
02

Analyzing option (a) - ligand misrecognition

Ligand misrecognition occurs when reactive species interact with cellular components like proteins, leading to molecular changes that can alter ligand-protein interactions or recognition. This can affect signaling pathways and cellular communication. Reactive species can cause this type of damage.
03

Analyzing option (b) - enzyme dysfunction

Reactive species can cause enzyme dysfunction by modifying enzyme structures or interacting with the enzyme's active sites. These modifications can lead to a loss of enzyme activity or changes in substrate specificity, ultimately impairing cellular processes that depend on these enzymes. Therefore, reactive species can lead to enzyme dysfunction.
04

Analyzing option (c) - membrane damage

Reactive species can cause membrane damage by reacting with lipids, resulting in lipid peroxidation. This process can lead to structural damage to the cell membrane and loss of integrity, which can impair cellular function. Thus, reactive species can induce membrane damage.
05

Analyzing option (d) - mutation

Reactive species can cause mutations by directly interacting with DNA, leading to DNA damage, such as base modifications, single and double-strand breaks, DNA crosslinks, and other types of DNA lesions. If not repaired correctly, these DNA damages can lead to permanent changes in the DNA sequence, called mutations. Therefore, reactive species can lead to mutations.
06

Decision time

Based on the analysis of each option, it is clear that reactive species can cause ligand misrecognition (option a), enzyme dysfunction (option b), membrane damage (option c), and mutation (option d). Since all of these options are valid outcomes of reactive species' effects on cellular function, the correct answer is option (e) - all of the above.

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