preview

Genetic Defects in Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator

Decent Essays

Abstract: The main goal of this paper is to explain what Cystic Fibrosis is and also to explain what the causes of Cystic Fibrosis are. Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a mutation in a gene called Cystic
Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). Cystic Fibrosis is known as one of the most common life-shortening disease. More that 1,000 mutations in the CFTR gene have been found in people with Cystic Fibrosis. Most of these mutations change single protein amino acids in the CFTR protein and it deletes a small amount of DNA from the CFTR gene. I am going to explain what happens when the CFTR proteins is functioning normally and when it is diseased.
Introduction: What is Cystic Fibrosis? Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder …show more content…

Ion channels are pore forming proteins which allow the passage of ions that are charged into and out of the cell down the electrochemical gradient [4]. Electrochemical gradient is a change in an ion that represents a type of potential energy that accounts for the both concentration and the membrane potential [1]. The channel transports particles called chloride ions. Chloride ions are formed when the element chlorine picks up one electron to form an ion. Chlorides ions help keep the movement of water in tissues and maintain the fluidity of mucus and other secretions [3].
<- CFTR protein
[5]
When the protein is diseased, that causes people with Cystic Fibrosis to have digestive problems. The mucus can block the ducts of the pancreas, and that prevents the enzymes from reaching the intestines to help digest food [6]. People with Cystic Fibrosis have an increased risk of lung infection and that could result in respiratory failure. Also males with Cystic Fibrosis could get
Congenital Absence of the Vas Deference (CAVD). CAVD is a condition in which the two vas deferens, male’s reproductive organs, fail to form properly prior to birth.
The gene that’s responsible for causing Cystic Fibrosis is on chromosome 7. The most common mutation is phenylalanine 508 known as delta F508. Delta F508 is a deletion of 3 nucleotides that results in a loss of the amino acid. The deletion prevents the Condon for

Get Access