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Organelles and Cystic Fibrosis
A plasma membrane transport protein called CFTR moves chloride ions out of cells lining cavities and ducts of the lungs, liver, pancreas, intestines, and reproductive system. Water that follows the ions creates a thin film that allows mucus to slide easily through these structures.
People with cystic fibrosis (CF) have too few copies of the CFTR protein in the plasma membranes of their cells. Not enough chloride ions leave the cells, and so not enough water leaves them either. The result is thick, dry mucus that clogs the airways to the lungs and other passages. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and chronic lung infections. In 2000, researchers tracked the cellular location of the CFTR protein as it was being produced in cells from people with CF (Figure 3.13).
Figure 3.13 Cellular location of the CFTR protein.
Graph compares the amounts of CFTR protein found in endoplasmic reticulum, vesicles traveling from ER to Golgi, and Golgi bodies in CF cells and normal cells.
In which organelle is the amount of CFTR protein most similar in both types of cells?
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Chapter 3 Solutions
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (MindTap Course List)
- magine that you are conducting research on fruit type and seed dispersal. You submitted a paper to a peer-reviewed journal that addresses the factors that impact fruit type and seed dispersal mechanisms in plants of Central America. The editor of the journal communicates that your paper may be published if you make ‘minor revisions’ to the document. Describe two characteristics that you would expect in seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Contrast this with what you would expect for seeds that are gathered, buried or eaten by animals, and explain why they are different. (Editor’s note: Providing this information in your discussion will help readers to consider the significance of the research).arrow_forwardWhat is the difference between Uniporters, Symporters and Antiporters? Which of these are examples of active transport?arrow_forwardWhat are coupled transporters?arrow_forward
- How do histamine and prostaglandins help in the mobilization of leukocytes to an injury site? What are chemotactic factors? How do they affect inflammation process?arrow_forwardCompare and contrast neutrophils and macrophages. Describe two ways they are different and two ways they are similar.arrow_forwardDescribe the effects of three cytokines (not involved in the initial inflammation response). What cells release them?arrow_forward
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning