Question

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease in humans in which the CFTR protein, which functions as a chloride ion channel, is missing or nonfunctional in cell membranes. If the sodium ion concentration outside the cell increases, and the CFTR channel is open, in what direction will chloride ions and water move across the cell membrane?

Answer 1

In CF (cystic fibrosis) it is postulated that this abnormality in the CFTR protein induces a paradoxical increase in the capture of sodium and chloride, which stimulates the reabsorption of water, and results in the formation of dehydrated and thick mucus. Other theories focus on the phenomenon of the movement of chloride to the outside of the cell, which also causes drying of mucus and pancreatic and bile secretions. In general, these hypotheses coincide in attributing the greater disorders to the obstruction of the thinner ducts by the thick and glutinous secretions in the different affected organs. This situation conditions chronic infection and promotes structural remodeling of the lung, in addition to causing pancreatic damage (mediated by agglomerated digestive enzymes), and obstruction of the intestines by large fecal boluses.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is a disease of genetic alteration where it can be detected at fetal ages, one of the pathognomonic signs of this disease is the high amount of solutes (salts such as NaCl) in sweat and excressions in the body.

This is due to a failure of the CFTR protein that is responsible for balancing the chloride to the LIC or LEC in the cellular media.