Toxicants can induce microstructural changes through several mechanisms, including oxidative stress, direct chemical interactions, and disruption of cellular processes. For example, chemical toxicants may interact with cellular components like proteins, lipids, and DNA, leading to structural modifications. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, can damage cellular organelles and macromolecules, leading to visible changes at the microscopic level.