Effects of Cystic Fibrosis on Water Regualation

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Effects of Cystic Fibrosis

Regulating mucus water content in the lungs

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic mutation which cause the CFTR channel protein cease to work or it isn’t present in some cases. The CFTR protein allows chloride ions into the cell. Without these chloride ions, the concentration gradient of the cells change as the ions are responsible to lead water into the mucus. Without these chloride ions, this makes it harder for water to be pumped through, resulting in thick mucus.

Excess water results in watery mucus. This is detected by the epithelial cell membrane in the airways. There is a low concentration of sodium ions in the membrane. Osmosis would lead more sodium ions in as there is a high concentration of water. Sodium ions diffuse from the mucus down the concentration gradient into…

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