Topic 2 - Genes and Health Flashcards
What is the life expectancy of a CF sufferer?
Mid to late 30s
Symptoms of CF
Difficulty breathing, troublesome cough and repeated chest infections. Problems with digestion and maintaining wait.
What is the main problem with cystic fibrosis?
Sticky mucus layer in the gas exchange, digestive and reproductive systems.
Why do people have mucus in their airways?
To trap dust, debris and microorganisms. Continually removed by beating cilia that cover the epithelial cells
What major effects does the sticky mucus in the lungs have?
It increases the chances of lung infection and it makes gas exchange less efficient
What are epithelial cells?
Outer surface of many animals, line cavities and tubes. Tissue know as epithelium. One or more layers sitting in a basement membrane.
How does sticky mucus increase the chance of a lung infections?
Trap microorganisms, some are pathogens. Cilia can’t move mucus. Harmful bacteria thrive in anaerobic conditions
Why is there lie oxygen in the mucus?
Diffuses slowly through, epithelial cells use up more oxygen in CF patients.
What is gas exchange dependant on?
Large surface area, high concentration gradient, thickness of surface.
What is Fick’s law?
Rate of diffusion o~ (surface area x diff. In conc.)/thickness of surface
How does sticky mucus effect gas exchange?
Blocks narrow airways (bronchioles) reducing alveoli providing surface area. Air may pass when breathed in but not out, causing over inflation which can damage the elasticity of the lungs.
Why is CF mucus so sticky?
Contains less water.
Structure of an amino acid?
(NH2)C(HR)COOH
NH2 is the Amine group.
R is the residual group which varies
COOH is a carboxylic acid group
What determines protein shape?
Hydrophobic/Phillic sections, hydrogen bonds, disulphide bonds, ionic bonds
What is a quaternary structure?
Protein made up of multiple polypeptide chains.
What is a conjugated protein?
Has another chemical group associated with the polypeptide chains.
What is a globular protein?
Spherical shape, soluble because hydrophilic on outside. E.g enzymes.
Fibrous proteins
Long chains, cross linked. Insoluble, important structurally.
What is the cell membrane?
Phospholipid bilayer.
Nucleotide bond
Phosphodiester bond
Effect of CF on digestive system?
Problems with digestion and absorption
High basal metabolic rate
Require higher intake than normal
Digestive enzyme supplements
Why is digestive system affected?
Mucus blocks pancreatic duct. Impairs release of digestive enzymes. Reduces rate of digestion because of lower enzyme conc in small intestine. Also direct damage caused to pancreas by trapped enzymes.
Effect of CF on reproductive system?
Mucus plug develops in the cervix. Males commonly lack sperm duct, or it can be blocked by mucus.
Structure of DNA?
Phosphate, deoxyribose and organic base joined by condensation reactions.
