Cellular Functions in the Body (Part II)

November 2006: Volume 1 Number 11

In our last discussion we covered communication, conductivity, movement, metabolic activity, and secretion. We will now continue discussion the rest of the cellular functions of the body.

            Excretion – This is another part of the metabolic processes where cells can get rid of waste products from the use of nutrients. Lysosomes contain enzymes that digest unwanted substances turning them into waste products. Vacuoles carry these waste products to the cell membrane where they are expelled from the cell into the lymph or blood systems. These wastes are carried by the blood or lymph system to excretatory organs (liver breaks down toxins for removal) for expulsion (kidney and intestines) to the outside world.

            Respiration and Oxidation – Some cells can absorb the oxygen needed to transform nutrients into energy within the cell. This is called oxidation. Other cells process the respired unusable gasses into areas where they are removed from the body. This is called respiration. An example of these areas where this occurs is in the lungs and in an organelle within cells called mitochondria.

Reproduction – This function is usually associated with the procreation of other human beings. However, there are many kinds of reproduction within cells of the body. Tissue cells can become bigger and reproduce themselves by the processes of division. Some specialized cells produce protein molecules to be used in other areas of the body. An example of this is the production of a digestive enzyme called Pancreatic alpha-amylase made by a pancreas cell when told to by hormonal and vagal stimuli. This enzyme is a protein molecule. It can breakdown a triglycerides, cholesterol and/or phospholipid molecules to free fatty acids and uronoglycerides. Free fatty acids are those molecules that can be used for energy in some parts of the body. A muscle cell can reproduce other muscle cells until you have a big muscle like the biceps of your arm. Cells in the body eventually die and cells must have the capacity to replace themselves through reproductive mechanisms.

We will talk about the specific uses of minerals or element in the body in our next publications. The following publications will focus on one or more element(s) or mineral(s) and how they relate to body functions.

© Copyright 2006 Cellular Functions in the Body (Part II)