Cells and Disease Discussion

Scientists now know that virtually every major disease that manifests symptoms has its origin in the cell. Your textbook discusses Tay-Sachs disease, Pompe's disease and cystic fibrosis in chapters 4 and 5 on cell and membrane structure and function. Briefly highlight a disease and describe what is occurring at the cellular level which ultimately results in visible signs of illness. For example, cystic fibrosis is caused by a faulty chloride channel in the plasma membrane which results in a thick mucus that collects in the airways and in the pancreatic and liver ducts. You can highlight any disease except the three that were mentioned by me above. Please identify the reason you chose to highlight a particular disease such as it is found in your family history, or you knew someone with the disease or simply whether you were interested and just wanted to lean more about it.

One disease that I would like to highlight is Alzheimer’s disease. I chose this disease because it is a prevalent and devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. I have witnessed the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on individuals and their families, which sparked my interest in understanding its cellular mechanisms. At the cellular level, Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of two abnormal protein structures: beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Beta-amyloid plaques are formed by the aggregation of beta-amyloid peptide, which is derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Tau tangles, on the other hand, consist of twisted filaments of tau protein inside neurons. The accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles disrupts normal cellular functions and leads to the progressive degeneration and death of neurons. Beta-amyloid plaques interfere with synaptic communication and induce neuroinflammation, while tau tangles disrupt the stability of microtubules, which are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of neurons. As the disease progresses, these cellular alterations result in visible signs of Alzheimer’s disease, including cognitive decline, memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. The brain regions responsible for memory and cognitive functions are particularly affected, such as the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Understanding the cellular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial for developing potential treatments and interventions. Researchers are exploring various strategies to target beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, aiming to prevent their accumulation or promote their clearance from the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and multifactorial disorder, with genetic and environmental factors playing a role in its development. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, ongoing research provides hope for future advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. By highlighting Alzheimer’s disease, I hope to raise awareness about its cellular basis and encourage further research efforts to combat this devastating condition.      

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