Genes and health 2.3 CF and other systems Flashcards
What general problems do CF sufferers have? (3pts)
problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients
high basal metabolic rates
poor appetite
Where does the chemical breakdown of food molecules occur?
small intestine
How are food molecules broken down? (2pts)
- Glands in the small intestine release digestive enzymes into the lumen (central cavity) of the gut
- the enzymes catalyse the break down of food molecules
What is the function of pancreatic cells’ enzymes? How are they delivered to the gut? (2pts)
- Thes enzymes help break down carbs, proteins and fats.
- They are delivered to the gut in pancreatic juice via the pancreatic duct.
What happens to pancreatic enzymes in CF sufferers? (3-5 pts)
- The pancreatic duct becomes blocked due it sticky mucus
- This reduces the concentration of enzymes flowing into the small intestine and hence lowers the catylsing of food
- Malabsorption syndrome: undigested food particles therefore do not give up their nutrients, so energy is lost.
- When enzymes get trapped in the pancreatic duct, they begin to damage to pancreas causing cysts of hard or fibrosed tissue (hence the name of cystic fibrosis!)
- When the pancreas is damaged, its ability to control insulin release is also impeded
What are enzymes?
Check quiz on enzymes under biological molecules.
What is the effect of CF on the reproductive system?
Women: reduced chance of pregnancy as sticky mucus can form a plug in the cervix
Men: lack the vas deferens which means sperm cannot leave the testes or it may be blocked from mucus which will reduce the number being ejaculated
What is the effect of CF on sweat? (3 pts)
- Sweat glands secrete a solution of salt and water onto the skin to help cool it down
- With CF, the salts are not reasorbed so remain on the skin (hence CF babies’ skin can taste salty)
- In hot weather and during exercise CF sufferers can lose more salts and hence need them replaced more than other people.
