What are the effects of chemicals in food/drink on cellular functions?

Alcohol - Acetaldehyde (chemical)

Sugar - Sucrose

Possible experiments

Effects on cellular functions

Metabolism

Protein synthesis

Enzymes

Alcohol use slows down metabolism and lessens our capacity to burn fat.

Alcohol use causes significant issues because it changes testosterone into oestrogen. Plants used to make alcohol include phytoestrogens, which have an impact on the male sex hormone. It also appears that binge drinking increases the activity of the enzyme aromatase. This enzyme aids in the transformation of the male sex hormone testosterone into the female sex hormone oestrogen. Men who consume too much oestrogen may have signs of feminisation, such as erectile dysfunction loss, painful nipples, and testicular shrinkage.

Alcohol use causes inflammation and oxidative stress, which have the ability to disturb endoplasmic reticulum homoeostasis. As a result, the rate of protein synthesis is slowed down.

Artificial sweeteners - Sodium saccharin (chemical)

Foods/drinks

Energy drinks

Protein powder

Diet teas

Sugar-free candies

Diet sodas

Pudding

Yogurt

Sugar-free condiments > ketchup

Baked goods

Effects on cellular functions

Glugose metabolism

Insulin signalling

leading to metabolic dysfunction

Sugar-free jelly and jams

Effects on cellular functions

DNA

The DNA nucleotides guanosine and deoxyguanosine in particular can attach to sugar molecules when they build up in cells. Glycation is the process that damages DNA and causes DNA strand breaks, mutations to occur more frequently, and cytotoxicity.

Mercury

Food/drinks

Wine

Rice

Seafood

Oil

liquor

Effects on cellular functions

Production of energy

Mercury's effects on the nervous system include interference with energy synthesis, which can impede cellular detoxification procedures and either cause the cell to die or exist in a persistently malnourished state.

High glucose's impact on oxidative stress and human endothelial cells' capacity to survive

The impact of coffee on human neuronal cells' cellular metabolism and neurotransmitter release

Alcohol's impact on liver cells' cell viability and oxidative stress

Glucose

Food/drinks

Fruits - grapes and dried apricots

Vegetables - sweet corn

Dried fruits - currants & figs

Manufactured products - juices, cured hams, pasta sauces

Honey, golden syrup

Effects on celluar functions

ATP production (energy production)

Cellular respiration transforms glucose into ATP. The aerobic respiration of one glucose molecule in the cytoplasm and mitochondria results in the production of 38 ATP molecules. Glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation are processes that take place during cellular respiration.

Caffine

Coffee/tea

Effects on ceulluar functions

Positive

Negative

increase cellular activity

The negative consequences of excessive caffeine use include jitteriness and sleep problems.

The release of certain hormones and neurotransmitters.

Additives and preservatives - sodium benzoate and sulfites (chemical)

Processed foods containing additives and preservatives to improve flavour, texture, or shelf life

Effect on ceulluar function

DNA damage

Objective - To determine how oxidative stress and cell viability are impacted by high glucose levels in human endothelial cells.

Membrane fluidity

Alcohol can make cell membranes less fluid, which can change how membrane-bound proteins and receptors work. This may have an impact on cellular signalling and have a role in the emergence of a number of illnesses, including neurodegenerative conditions.

DNA damage

Alcohol can damage DNA by producing free radicals and obstructing DNA repair processes. This may accelerate the onset of a number of illnesses, including cancer.

Immune system suppression

Alcohol can weaken the immune system by impairing the actions of immunological cells such T cells and macrophages. This might raise the danger of infections and help some illnesses, like cancer and liver disease, come into being.

Alcohol is metabolised primarily by the liver, where enzymes convert alcohol to acetaldehyde and ultimately to acetate. Alcohol metabolism may produce free radicals and oxidative stress, which can harm cells and aid in the emergence of a number of disorders, including cancer and liver disease.

Objective - To look at how alcohol impacts oxidative stress and liver cell survival

Objective - To determine how caffeine influences the release of neurotransmitters and cellular metabolism in human neuronal cells.