Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
06:18
Assessing Lysosomal Alkalinization in the Intestine of Live Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: April 13, 2018
The role of membrane structure and function in cellular aging: a review
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Cell membrane properties change with age, increasing intracellular potassium and inhibiting protein synthesis. These age-related membrane changes offer insights into cellular aging and contrast with alterations seen in malignant transformation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cell membrane properties, including fluidity and ion permeability, are crucial for regulating intracellular ion content.
- Age-dependent alterations in cell membranes have been observed across various cell types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review theoretical and experimental evidence on cell membrane properties related to intracellular ion regulation.
- To explore the role of age-dependent membrane alterations in cellular aging and protein synthesis.
- To investigate the relationship between membrane permeability changes and malignant cell transformation.
Main Methods:
- Survey of existing theoretical and experimental data on cell membrane properties.
- Analysis of age-dependent changes in membrane fluidity and potassium permeability.
- Comparison of membrane alterations in aging versus malignant cells.
Main Results:
- Aging cells exhibit increased intracellular potassium content due to altered membrane properties.
- Increased intracellular potassium inhibits enzymatic processes essential for protein synthesis, reducing the protein synthetic capacity of old cells.
- Changes in membrane permeability associated with malignant transformation are distinct from those observed in cellular aging.
Conclusions:
- Age-dependent alterations in cell membrane properties, particularly increased potassium permeability, contribute to decreased protein synthesis in aging cells.
- The "membrane hypothesis" of aging provides a framework for understanding cellular aging based on membrane property changes.
- Understanding these membrane dynamics offers a potential experimental approach to studying cellular aging and its implications.
More Related Videos
08:52Measurement of Protein Turnover Rates in Senescent and Non-Dividing Cultured Cells with Metabolic Labeling and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 6, 2022
08:48Using Live Cell STED Imaging to Visualize Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Ultrastructure in Neuronal Cell Models
Published on: June 30, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:37Mitochondria
Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
01:28Assembly of the Lipid Bilayer in the ER
Biological membranes are more than just a barrier separating cell cytoplasm from the outside environment. They are highly dynamic and help maintain the integrity and physiological stability of the cells as well as membrane-bound organelles. Membranes also play vital roles in cell-to-cell and intracellular communication.
A large chunk of any biological membrane is composed of phospholipids. These lipids have a heterogeneous distribution across different subcellular organelles and even between...
A large chunk of any biological membrane is composed of phospholipids. These lipids have a heterogeneous distribution across different subcellular organelles and even between...
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
01:26Aging
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...