Chapter 13.5, Problem 1CSC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

How can a functional chloride channel (CFTR protein) produced by CFTR alleles causes cystic fibrosis.

Introduction:

Cystic fibrosis is the recessive genetic disorder caused by defective alleles of a gene that encodes a crucially important protein called CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). It occurs when a person is homozygous for defective CFTR alleles. The CFTR protein is found in the pancreas, intestine, sweat glands, and in the cells lining the airways of the lungs. Mutations in the CFTR genes affect the structure and function of the protein.