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3.6: Cellular Changes During Aging

  • Page ID
    40587
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    Cellular Plasma Membrane Changes

    • As the cell ages the plasma membrane has an increases amount fatty acids.
      • This structural change decreases the fluidity of the plasma membrane and reduces the transportation of ions, nutrients, amino acids, and proteins across the membrane.

    Nuclear Changes

    • As the cell ages cross-linkages form between the sulfur atoms on the DNA in the nucleus of the cells.
      • This structural change condenses the DNA which decreases the synthesis of RNA, reduced the cells ability to repair enzymes, and may reduce the cell’s ability to divide.

    Cytoplasmic Changes

    • As the cell ages the volume of cytoplasm increases, enzymes that synthesize DNA move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and there is a gradual build up of lipofuscin.
      • While it is unclear how this directly affects the cell, it is known that once the DNA migrates from the nucleus it is unable to synthesizes enzymes.

    Ribosomal Changes

    • As the cell ages the amount of ribosomal RNA and the number of ribosomes decreases.
      • This structural change results in a decreased level of protein synthesis.

    Mitochondrial Changes

    • As the cell ages the number of mitochondrial present in a cell decreases.
      • This structural change reduces the cell’s ability to produce energy.

    Lysosomal Changes

    • As the cell ages the lysosomes become less able to break down waste proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and fats.
      • This results is a build up waste within the cell.

    Contributors and Attributions

    CC licensed content, Original
    • Cellular Changes During Aging. Authored by: Kelly, Jessica. Provided by: Herkimer College. Located at: NA. Project: AtD Course. License: CC BY: Attribution

    3.6: Cellular Changes During Aging is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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