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Things That Impact a Cell

Your body is made up of millions of cells that provide you with structure, deliver nutrients and perform a variety of physiological processes. Although cells may appear different, they all, with a few exceptions, have a membrane, organelles and the same DNA or genes. Variations and alterations in the surrounding environment can alter your cell's DNA, which can then affect your cells. Vitamin deficiencies, stress and viruses can all impact a cell's health and growth.

  1. DNA Coding

    • Your DNA is housed in each cell nucleus. It is this DNA that writes, or transcribes, the blueprint for your genetic make-up as well as the job each cell will perform. For example, liver cells have specific DNA that dictates what enzymes the cell can create and how it will function within your liver. The DNA will also create the shape of the cell. Rod and cone cells in your eye express genes needed to form the characteristic rod and cone shapes. Thus, genes in each cell play a fundamental role in cell development. Any anomalies in or damage to the DNA will have a strong impact on the cell itself.

    Stress Factors

    • High levels of stress are linked to chronic conditions and high blood pressure. Stress comes in many forms, from tension and anxiety to environmental factors, such as pollution and toxic substances. In whatever form it takes, stress can have an impact on your cells. A March 2011 study published in "Biological Research for Nursing" found that chronic psychological stress can negatively impact the parts of your DNA, called telomeres, that regulate cellular aging. Chronic exposure to stress shortened the telomeres, which can lead to poor overall health.

    Nutrient Deficiencies

    • Inadequate nutrition has far reaching effects on your body. Certain vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, impact cell health. A study published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in September 2009 investigated the impact of zinc deficiency on cellular DNA. According to the study, 12 percent of Americans do not receive enough zinc through diet or supplementation. This deficit can impact how your cells are able to withstand the effects of oxidative stress. In the study, a group of rats was deprived of zinc for 10 days. Researchers found that the severe zinc deficiency group had greater cellular DNA damage.

    Viral Infections

    • Viruses are microscopic particles that contain genetic material, either DNA or RNA, inside a shell. This shell is made of protein that can also be surrounded by an envelope that protects the virus. Viruses are much smaller than cells, and if they enter your body undetected, will enter a specific cell and pump it full of its own genetic material. The DNA or RNA it carries will take over the operation of the cell, converting it to a factory to make more copies of itself. Your cell will then encapsulate the viral DNA, giving it new protein shells, which are released out into your body. The replicated viruses destroy the host cell, and move on to infect more cells.

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