What diseases are from a cell malfunction?
Many diseases are caused by malfunctions at the cellular level. Here are some examples:
- Cancer: Cancerous cells are cells that have lost the ability to control their growth and divide abnormally. This can lead to the formation of tumors and the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
- Heart disease: Heart disease can result from the malfunction of heart cells, including those that pump blood (myocardial cells) and those that regulate the heart's rhythm (electrical conduction cells).
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons, the primary functional cells of the nervous system. Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are examples of neurodegenerative disorders that involve cellular malfunctions and protein misfolding in the brain.
- Genetic disorders: Genetic disorders are caused by mutations or abnormalities in genes, which can lead to malfunctioning proteins and disrupt cellular processes. Examples include sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington's disease.
- Infectious diseases: Some infectious diseases, such as viral infections, can cause cellular malfunctions by disrupting cellular structures or processes. For instance, the influenza virus can damage cells in the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing and fever.
- Metabolic disorders: Metabolic disorders involve disruptions in the body's metabolic pathways, which convert nutrients into energy and building blocks for cells. Examples include diabetes, which affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose metabolism.
- Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system malfunctions and mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This can damage cells and lead to various health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.