MICROPLASTICS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF BODY CELLS: A LITERATURE REVIEW FOR CELL BIOLOGY LEARNING

Fatemah Rosma, Mauizah Hasanah, Yuri Gagarin, Ory Resmida

Abstract


Microplastics are small plastic particles that have become one of the major global environmental and health concerns. These particles can enter the human body through food, drinking water, air, and direct exposure to contaminated environments. The presence of microplastics is known to affect the structure and function of body cells, making this issue important to be studied in Cell Biology learning. This study aimed to analyze the effects of microplastics on the structure and function of body cells and to examine their relevance as a learning resource in Cell Biology courses. The study employed a literature review method using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were obtained from scientific articles, books, and academic documents published between 2015 and 2025. Data analysis was conducted through content analysis, including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that microplastics can cause cell membrane damage, organelle dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and apoptosis. Microplastics also have the potential to affect human health through respiratory, digestive, and hormonal system disorders. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the issue of microplastics is highly relevant to Cell Biology learning because it connects concepts of cell structure and function with real environmental problems. This study recommends the integration of microplastic issues into Cell Biology learning to improve students’ scientific literacy, environmental awareness, and critical thinking skills.

Keywords


Apoptosis, cell biology, learning, microplastics, oxidative stress.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.37598/biosainsdik.v6i1.2684

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