Question

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP MEEEE!!!!

Type 2 diabetes is an example of a disease that results from the loss of a normal signal transduction pathway. In a person who does not have type 2 diabetes, the pathway begins when insulin binds to the insulin receptors on the surface of a cell. This initiates a signal that tells the cell to synthesize glucose receptors and transport them to the cell membrane where they are to become incorporated. Once incorporated, they allow the cell to take in glucose present in the extracellular medium.
Justify the claim that changes in normal signal transduction may alter cellular response by describing how type 2 diabetes results from dysfunctional signal transduction. ​

Answer 1

In type 2 diabetes, the normal signal transduction pathway initiated by insulin binding to its receptor is disrupted, leading to a decreased response of the cell to insulin. This is known as insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance can occur due to several factors, such as genetic predisposition, obesity, physical inactivity, and aging. These factors can lead to changes in the insulin signaling pathway that ultimately affect glucose metabolism.

When a person with type 2 diabetes consumes a meal, the blood glucose level rises, and the pancreas secretes insulin in response. However, the insulin produced is not enough to maintain normal blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance. The insulin signal is not properly transmitted into the cell, and the cell does not efficiently uptake glucose from the bloodstream.

As a result, the glucose concentration in the blood remains high, leading to hyperglycemia. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage various organs and tissues, such as the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels, leading to long-term complications of diabetes.

Therefore, changes in normal signal transduction pathways, such as those seen in type 2 diabetes, can alter cellular responses and have significant health consequences.