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Lipid Disorders

A lipid is a generic term for a fat molecule. This class of molecules serve structural, signaling, and nutritional functions. A particular subset of lysosomal storage diseases is an example of lipid disorders. Specific lipids accumulate due to the lack of corresponding degradative enzymes. The excess of these lipids in cells have various effects from mental retardation to skeletal deformity.

Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders affect the cell's ability to digest, process, and synthesize essential compounds. These problems often arise from genetic, environmental, or nutritional causes. Inborn defects or spontaneous mutations to enzymes involved in a metabolic pathway contribute to the genetic component of this class of diseases. Since enzymes also require vitamins and co-factors to properly function, nutritional deficiencies can also affect an otherwise healthy individual.

Further Information

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