Final answer:
Defective cell membranes can cause disturbed ion balance, compromised barrier function, and malfunctioning cell-surface receptors, leading to impaired cell communication and increased vulnerability to diseases such as hypertension and cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Defective cell membranes are likely to initially result in dysfunctions such as disturbed ion balance, compromised barrier function, and malfunctioning cell-surface receptors. Cell membranes are crucial for maintaining a proper balance of ions across the membrane, such as potassium and sodium, which affects the membrane potential and cellular communication. Defects in membrane proteins can disrupt this balance, leading to potential cell death.
Moreover, the cell membrane's integrity as a barrier is essential to protect the cell from its external environment and to control the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Any compromise in this function can lead to unregulated exchange of materials, which can be detrimental to cell health.
Finally, cell-surface receptor proteins play a critical role in signaling pathways, and their malfunction can lead to diseases like hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. These receptors are integral for the cell's ability to communicate and respond to its external environment, and defects can severely affect these processes.