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3.6: Cellular Changes During Aging

Last updated

Feb 28, 2025
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- 3.5: How Scientists Study Cells
- 4: The Integumentary System

Lumen Learning
Lumen Learning

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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

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