While many people think of protein as just muscle, the truth is that proteins are essential to almost every cellular process in our bodies. The human body has over 10,000 different types of proteins, each with a specialized function. Some proteins are structural, and others help silence or activate genes. Proteins make up many hormones and are enzymes that power chemical reactions. Proteins are essential, which is why cells have specialized structures called ribosomes (rai·buh·sowm) devoted to creating them. Our DNA contains all the information our cells need to make the diverse protein types our bodies need to thrive.

Protein synthesis is the process of cells using genetic information to build specific proteins essential for the body’s normal functioning. Proteins are large, complex molecules that perform a wide range of functions in the body, such as:

Mutations are a natural part of life; they happen all the time and can occur in many different ways. Genetic variations can be passed down from our parents or happen when our DNA and RNA go through transcription and translation. A mutation can be defined as a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. These changes can happen in a single base pair or affect entire chromosomes.

Most mutations are harmless, and they do not affect our health. In fact, many mutations happen in areas of the DNA that do not code for proteins and do not affect an organism’s function. Some mutations can even be beneficial, such as those that help protect against disease or improve our ability to adjust to different environments.

However, some mutations can have harmful effects on our health, such as those that lead to genetic disorders or increased susceptibility to certain health and wellness concerns.

An SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) or polymorphism is a specific type of point mutation that frequently occurs in the population. These mutations are variations in a single base pair of DNA (set of nucleotides) and can be found in many different genes. While most SNPs do not affect health, some are known to be associated with certain diseases or disorders.

Other common mutationsare point mutations, which change a single DNA base pair, and chromosomal mutations, which affect entire chromosomes. Chromosomal mutations can include deletions, duplications, or translocations (rearrangement) of genetic material.

Mutations can also affect gene expression and lead to changes in the activity of specific genes. These mutations can produce altered or non-functional proteins, disrupting cell function and leading to disease. It’s important to note that mutations are not always the cause of diseases; multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute to the cause of most health and wellness concerns.

As noted earlier, our DNA contains the instructions for making specific proteins, which are essential for cell structure and function. Organelles (or·guh·nel) are specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions, such as the mitochondria, which produce energy for the cell. Ribosomes produce proteins. The endoplasmic reticulum (en·dow·plaz·muhk ruh·ti·kyuh·luhm) and Golgi apparatus (gowl·jee a·pr·a·tuhs) are organelles that help synthesize and transport proteins. There are many more organelles, each with a specific function requiring DNA and certain proteins. The proteins that construct organelles are specified by the genetic code of our DNA, which is why the relationship between genes and organelles is so crucial.

Cell signaling can be thought of as the language ‘spoken’ by cells, allowing them to communicate and work together to keep our bodies running smoothly. Imagine a complicated piece of music. Each musician plays a different instrument and needs to know what to play and when to start and stop playing. Cells function similarly; they need to know when to work, grow, divide, or die. And cell signaling is the system that enables that communication. Just like you don’t use every muscle in your body every moment of every day, cells can signal to genes to “turn on” or “turn off,” also known as gene expression. Turning genes on and off allows for cell regulation and effective function.

Cell signaling can happen within a single cell, called intracellular signaling, or between cells, called intercellular signaling. In intracellular signaling, a signal molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell’s surface, starting a chain reaction within the cell and leading to changes in the cell’s behavior. Intercellular signaling happens when a signal molecule binds to a receptor on the surface of another cell, triggering a response. This process can happen through chemical signaling, where molecules bind to receptors on the target cell, or electrical signaling, where the flow of ions triggers a response.

Cell signaling plays a critical role in regulating gene expression, which leads to the production of new proteins. These proteins are necessary for the proper functioning of cells and the stability of our body’s tissues. And the signals that originate in one cell can trigger responses in many other cells, leading to coordinated responses throughout the body, such as hormones that travel through the bloodstream and bind to receptors on target cells, changing metabolism or heart rate.

Genetics also plays a role in cell signaling. Genetic mutations can lead to malfunctioning proteins, causing abnormal cell signaling and health concerns. But by understanding the genetic basis of cell signaling, we can better prevent, detect, and address these concerns.

Proper cell function is vital for overall health and well-being, and any disruption to cellular processes can lead to a wide range of health concerns. Understanding the structure and function of cells, the role of DNA in cell function, and the relationship between genes, organelles, and cell signaling, is the first step to utilizing our genetic information to make informed health decisions.