Summary of "When Cell Communication Goes Wrong"

The cells in our bodies are constantly sending and receiving signals. But what happens when cell communication goes wrong? Cell communication can go wrong when the cell loses its signal. The cells in our bodies release an insulin signal to our liver, fat, and muscle to store the sugars that we consume from the food we eat. However, in some cases, the insulin signal can be lost, causing the sugars to build up the toxic levels in our blood. Having too much sugar in our blood can lead to disorders like type 1 diabetes and possibly heart disease. There are also cases where the signal never reaches its target, causing a disturbance in cell communication. This can be seen in multiple sclerosis, a disease where the protective wrappings around the nerve cells and spinal cord of the cell are destroyed, preventing the signal from reaching its target. With the destroyed wrappings, nerve cells cannot transmit signals from one area of the brain to the other. A target can lose it's signal, which is demonstrated through the effects of type 1 and 2 diabetes. The cells of type 1 are unable to produce the insulin signal to their liver, fats, and muscles, while the cells of type 2 diabetes are unable to respond to insulin signals. These disabilities cause toxic levels from consumed sugars to build up in the blood, dangerously raising blood sugar levels in the body. There are also cases where too many signals are being produced. After a stroke, the dying brain cells release a lethal amount of signal molecules. These signal molecules are highly toxic to nearby brain cells and can cause brain damage. Cell growth and division require cell communication. However, cell communication can break down during these processes. When there is uncontrolled cell growth, cells lose their ability to respond to death signals, causing them to continue to multiple and grow. This causes the creation of cancer cells that uncontrollably divide to create tumors on the body. Overall, cell communication is an important process in the body that allows all organs to function and maintain health. When something goes wrong in cell communication, cells are respond differently or not respond at all, creating the build up of unwanted toxins in the body or spreading disease.