Proteins come in thousands of forms with lots of diverse functions. Proteins are often needed at particular times and locations within nerves, both in the cell body and along the axon. To get to specific points in the axon, including down to the terminal, proteins must be transported from the cell body, where they are most often made, toward microtubule plus-ends. Particular proteins along the axon allow nerve cells to respond to the local environment. When these proteins are not successfully transported and are absent from the axon, the nerve cell is unable to function correctly, which can result in deterioration and nerve cell death.
Two additional cargoes transported toward the axon terminal are vesicles, which are like small sacks full of proteins or other substances, and mitochondria, which are the structures that provide a source of energy for the cell. If delivery of mitochondria is disrupted, for example in a disease or by a drug, the axon cannot produce the energy that it needs. This can harm nerve cell function, and in severe situations, lead to neuron death.

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