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What Breaks Down Toxic Substances in a Cell?

Cells are among the most basic building blocks of the body. They vary in their size, their function and their shape. However, they all have certain functions in common. They all can be invaded by foreign substances such as toxins, and they all try to rid themselves of these toxins in a similar manner.

  1. A little aboutt Cells

    • All cells are basically made up of the same parts. In the center of the cell there is a nucleus. The only cells without a nucleus are mature red blood cells. The nucleus contains DNA and is the control center of the cell. On the outside of the cell there is a membrane made of proteins which selectively let materials pass. Between the outer membrane and the nucleus there is a material called cytosol. This liquid is made up of minerals, gases and organic molecules. This is where the cell does its processing.

    Pinocytosis

    • A toxin can be organic or it can be inorganic. Toxins are introduced into a cell by what is called pinocytosis. The cell moves around the toxin and it is absorbed through the outer membrane. There are many types of toxins, some more dangerous to the cell than others.

    Exocytosis

    • In humans, toxins a are removed from the body in the liver. To be removed in the liver they must first be placed in the blood stream. Carbon dioxide, ethanol, oxygen and other small molecules can directly pass the cell wall using a process called passive transport. Larger molecules such as proteins are remove from the cell wall using active transport. Toxins are removed from the cell by a method called exocytosis. The molecules of toxins are packaged in what is called a vesicle. This vesicle isolates the toxin from other materials in the cell. It then drifts towards the wall. It connects to the outer membrane of the cell where it actually merges with the wall and releases the toxin to where it enters the blood stream.

    The Liver

    • Once the toxin is in the blood stream it is delivered to the liver. The liver takes fat-based molecules and converts them to water-based molecules so they can be eliminated from the body. However, some toxic substances such as lead and mercury cannot be removed from the cell.

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