Question

70% of point mutations that cause cystic fibrosis disrupt __________.

a) The chloride channel CFTR
b) The sodium-potassium pump
c) The calcium ion channels
d) The aquaporin channels

Answer 1

The chloride channel CFTR is disrupted by 70% of point mutations that cause cystic fibrosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is a) The chloride channel CFTR.

In cystic fibrosis, 70% of point mutations disrupt the chloride channel CFTR. In healthy individuals, the CFTR protein acts as a channel protein that helps transport chloride ions out of the cell. However, in individuals with cystic fibrosis, the mutated CFTR protein is defective and not properly incorporated into the membrane, resulting in a malfunctioning chloride channel.

For example, the CFTR protein is responsible for helping salt (sodium chloride) move in and out of cells. When the CFTR protein is mutated, the transport of chloride ions is disrupted, leading to the characteristic symptoms of cystic fibrosis.