Chromosome 7 and Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common geneticirons build up in the cells of the lungs and other
disorders. The genes on each chromosome controlorgans. Water stays inside the cells to dilute the
specific functions of the human body. The gene onchloride and the normal secretions of the organs
chromosome 7 produces a protein called cysticbecome thick. Mucus in the exocrine glands becomes
fibrosis transmembrane regulator. Mutation in the DNAthick and sticky. This results in blocks in the pancreas,
level of chromosome 7 leads to the absence of thislungs, liver and other glands. This block leads to cyst
protein which leads to cystic fibrosis.Cystic fibrosis isformation in glands. This results in cystic fibrosis.
a recessive disease. It means that both copies of theCystic fibrosis causes frequent respiratory
gene must be defective. An affected person willinfections.Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is confirmed by a
have abnormal cystic fibrosis transmembranesweat test or DNA testing. Cystic fibrosis causes the
regulator gene on each chromosome 7. Thereforesweat glands to secrete excessive salt. The most
both biological parents must have an abnormal gene.common symptoms of cystic fibrosis are coughing
One abnormal copy is inherited from each parent. Aand chronic breathing difficulties. This causes repeated
person with one normal gene and one abnormal genelung infections. The lungs and the digestive system
is called a cystic fibrosis carrier. Cystic fibrosis carriersare more affected by cystic fibrosis. The symptoms
do not show any symptoms but they may pass theof cystic fibrosis include chronic cough, chest
abnormal gene to their children. Therefore theinfection, small growth in nose, diabetes, weight loss,
parents can be either cystic fibrosis carriers orpancreatitis, and diarrhea. The treatment of cystic
affected themselves.Cystic fibrosis affects thefibrosis includes oral or inhaled antibiotics,
production and function of cystic fibrosiscorticosteroid tablets, dietary vitamins, anti-asthma
transmembrane regulator. This disturbs the chloridetherapy and medication.
transfer across cell membranes. As a result, chloride