2.14 - CF symptoms

Question 1

What allele is affected in cystic fibrosis?

Answer 1

Recessive allele

Question 2

What causes the mucus to be thick and sticky in the trachea?

Answer 2

No chloride ions are transported out of the cell and into the mucus, so no movement of water so cilia cannot waft mucus

Question 3

What are the respiratory symptoms in cystic fibrosis?

Answer 3

Develop a cough and laboured breathing
breathing difficulties
severe and frequent infections

Question 4

What are the digestive symptoms in cystic fibrosis?

Answer 4

mucus blocks pancreatic duct
Digestive enzymes cannot reach the small intestine
Food isn’t properly digested.
Leads to tiredness and difficulty in gaining weight.
Enzymes get trapped within pancreas in fibrosed cysts.

Question 5

What are the reproductive symptoms in cystic fibrosis?

Answer 5

the sperm duct can be blocked with mucus so sperm cannot leave the testes
In women the mucus plug in the
cervix is so dry and sticky that sperm cannot get through. Reduces sperm Motility

Question 6

What happens to sufferers when the CFTR channels does not prevent loss of ions?

Answer 6

Sweat becomes very salty

Question 7

What is the respiratory treatments for cystic fibrosis?

Answer 7

Gene Therapy
Bronchio-dilatory drugs
Antibiotics

Question 8

What is the digestive treatments for cystic fibrosis?

Answer 8

Enzyme supplements

Question 9

What is the reproductive treatments for cystic fibrosis?

Answer 9

Fertility treatments

Question 10

The trachea:
How do you make mucus runnier?

Answer 10

1. Chloride ions are actively transported into the cells and diffuse out into the mucus through CFTR protein.
2. Na+ ions diffuse along an electrochemical gradient - towards chloride
3. Water moves out cells and into mucus
4. Osmotic gradient established
5. Mucus is now runny