Chapter 6, Problem 4AYKB

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

A 6-year-old boy, Jeff, has been diagnosed with lysosomal disease, which is a rare genetic defect. The lysosomes in the boy’s body are unable to maintain an acidic pH (potential of hydrogen).

Characters in the case:

Jeff, a 6-year-old boy.

Adequate information:

The lysosomes in Jeff’s body are unable to maintain an acidic pH.

To determine:

Lysosomes, the reason they require an acidic pH, and the impact of the defective lysosomes on Jeff’s bones as well as on the ability of bone cells to function.