What are the Primary Mechanisms of Cellular Response?
Upon exposure to toxic agents, cells may undergo several primary responses:
DNA Repair: If the toxin causes DNA damage, cells activate repair mechanisms to restore their genetic integrity. Antioxidant Defense: Cells may increase the production of antioxidants to neutralize reactive oxygen species generated by the toxic exposure. Stress Response: The cell initiates a stress response, such as the unfolded protein response, to manage damage caused by misfolded proteins. Cell Cycle Arrest: Cells may halt their cycle to prevent division of damaged DNA, allowing time for repair or triggering apoptotic pathways if the damage is irreparable.
