MadSci Network: Cell Biology |
Cell membrane diseases are genetic disorders involving (for the most part) the proteins that make up various receptors or ion channels in the membrane. Some of these diseases have other components as well, so I've put down why this disease could be considered a "cell-membrane" disease. Hyaline Membrane Disease - a disease of preterm infants in which the lungs are not fully mature at the time of birth, resulting in respiratory distress. Pneumocytes are not fully differentiated and so the lungs are not capable of the normal oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange that is required after birth. Alzheimer's - oxidative stress (in the brain) caused by Alzheimer's results in alterations in the phosphlipids that comprise the cell membrane and disrupts the function of affected brain cells. Cystic fibrosis - a defect in a calcium-ion channel results (for unclear reasons) in excess production of fluid in the lungs.
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