Question

1 Patients with a genetic condition known as cystic fibrosis struggle with symptoms such as lung and digestive problems. At the cellular level, the cells of patients with the disease do not transport water or other materials out of the cell efficiently. Therefore, patients’ cells have a build-up of water and other substances inside the cell. Which of the following best describes how cystic fibrosis impacts cells?

Cystic fibrosis affects the cell membrane increasing cellular transport and homeostasis.
Cystic fibrosis affects the lysosomes increasing cellular transport and homeostasis.
Cystic fibrosis affects the Golgi decreasing cellular transport and homeostasis.
Cystic fibrosis affects the cell membrane decreasing cellular transport and homeostasis.

Answer 1

Cystic fibrosis disrupts the function of the CFTR ion channel in the cell membrane, decreasing cellular transport and homeostasis, and leading to health issues like lung infections and digestive problems.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients with cystic fibrosis experience symptoms due to a malfunctioning membrane ion channel known as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This defect impedes the transport of Cl- ions out of the cell, leading to abnormal water and ion buildup within the cells. As a result, cystic fibrosis affects the cell membrane by decreasing cellular transport and homeostasis, causing a cascade of health problems, including thick and sticky mucus production that obstructs the airways and leads to infections and digestive issues.