In: Nursing
What is cystic fibrosis? How does cystic fibrosis work to enhance survival for heterozygous individuals?
ANSWER :
▪︎CYSTIC FIBROSIS :
▪︎To manifest cystic fibrosis 2 copies of mutated genes should be present. People with single copy of mutated gene are carriers.
▪︎CFTR gene mutation ------> inhibits movement of salt (chloride) to the cell surface -------> prevents water from getting moved to the cell surface -----> thick and sticky mucous formation in various organs of respiratory(lungs), reproductive and digestivel(pancreas) systems.
▪︎Heterozygous individuals are carriers of cystic fibrosis. Lifespan of carriers and normal population is same but the carriers have increased risk of getting cystic fibrosis related conditions like lung infections , bronchiectasis etc
▪︎Heterozygous cystic fibrosis people have certain advantages :