Purpose
This project will expand students’ knowledge on cystic fibrosis. Students will understand the causes and effects of the disorder, how it affects the body, and the available treatment options for this disease. This topic is relevant because cystic fibrosis is the leading cause of death due to genetic causes in the United States, primarily for children and young adults.
Objectives
Develop an understanding of cystic fibrosis on a cellular and genetic level
Understand how the disease affects the body
Investigate the treatment options for this disease
Understand the life of someone who has cystic fibrosis
Research Summary
“Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal recessive genetic disorder among Caucasian people in the United States” (Langwith 15). Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. In order to inherit the disease, both parents must be carriers of the gene mutation which produces a protein that is responsible for a cell’s water balance. If the water balance reaches an abnormal level, thick mucus is secreted into the digestive system or into the lungs. The CFTR mutation occurs when a nucleotide sequence is not properly in line. CFTR can have more than 1,500 variations, and affects over “70,00 people
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Lung infection is the leading cause of death of people with CF. “The production of a thick, sticky mucus increases the likelihood of infection, decreases the ability to protect against infection, causing inflammation and swelling, decreases the functional capacity of the lungs, and may lead to emphysema” (Langwith 19). Unfortunately, the body creates more mucus in order to fight lung infection. This causes the mucus to become thicker, so breathing becomes increasingly difficult. Symptoms of CF include: nasal polyps, swelling in the nasal sinuses, persistent coughs, respiratory infections, and pneumonia (Apel