Cyctic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis patients produce a thick mucus secretion. The thick, sticky mucus blocks the pancreatic duct and prevents pancreatic enzymes from reaching the duodenum; clogging up of the luns leads to recurrent infections.

The cause is that the related gene, the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene is located on the 7th chromosome. It codes for a protein which is essential for chloride transport. If the person has 2 copies of this gene, he will have the disease.

Reference :

(1)	(book)	Understand Biology for Advanced Level, 4th Edition, Glenn and Susan Toole, Stanley Thornes Press, p.124 - 125
(2)	(book)	Advanced Biology, principles and applications, international student edition, by C.J. Clegg with D.G. Mackkean, John Murray, pp. 644
(3)	(web)	Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
(4)	(web)	Kids Health
(5)	(web)	Medicine Plus
(6)	(web)	Myoclinic
(7)	(web)	Wikipedia
(8)	(web)	MedicineNet

(03.08.2008)