What Are the Mechanisms of Toxicant Interaction with the Plasma Membrane?
Toxicants can interact with the plasma membrane through various mechanisms, leading to cellular damage or dysfunction. Some of these mechanisms include:
1. Lipid Peroxidation: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by certain toxicants can initiate lipid peroxidation, damaging the lipid bilayer and compromising membrane integrity. 2. Protein Binding: Toxicants can bind to membrane proteins, altering their function and disrupting cellular signaling pathways. 3. Ion Channel Modulation: Some toxicants interfere with ion channels, affecting ion gradients, and disrupting cellular homeostasis. 4. Endocytosis: Certain toxicants exploit endocytic pathways to gain entry into cells, bypassing the protective barrier of the plasma membrane.
