How Do Cellular Defense Mechanisms Respond to Toxicant Exposure?
Cells have evolved multiple defense mechanisms to counteract the harmful effects of toxicants on the plasma membrane. These include:
- Antioxidant Systems: Enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and catalase scavenge ROS, preventing lipid peroxidation and maintaining membrane integrity. - Membrane Repair Processes: Cells can activate repair mechanisms to restore membrane integrity after damage. This involves the recruitment of membrane patches and the fusion of vesicles to seal breaches. - Efflux Transporters: Proteins like P-glycoprotein actively expel toxicants from the cell, reducing their intracellular concentrations and mitigating potential damage.
