Extra Credit Biotechnology Project

Question 1

What is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease?:

Answer 1

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, a multisystem, progressive inherited disorder, is characterized by the gradual formation of clusters of cysts to form within your kidneys, which, in turn, lead to kidney damage and failure.

Question 2

What are genetic disorders/diseases?:

Answer 2

Genetic disorders are conditions that transpire as a result of alterations made in genes or chromosomes.

Question 3

What is genetic engineering?:

Answer 3

Genetic engineering is the intentional altering of the genetic material of an organism, with the intent of changing its characteristics.

Question 4

How is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease inherited?:

Answer 4

To develop ADPKD, an individual must have one copy of the affected gene, which they typically inherit from one of their parents.

Question 5

What are some of the symptoms associated with ADPKD?:

Answer 5

• Back pain
• Abdominal fullness
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Question 6

What is the average life expectancy of someone with ADPKD?:

Answer 6

Depending on the subtype, patients with ADPKD typically have a life expectancy of 53 to 70 years.

Question 7

What are a few of the treatment strategies for the management of ADPKD?:

Answer 7

Tolvaptan ~ Affects how the kidneys regulate the concentration of urine; has been shown to lessen kidney function decline and slow the growth of cysts.

Diet and hydration ~
Surgery to address complications ~
Dialysis and kidney transplant ~

Question 8

What are a few of the pharmaceutical approaches?: