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6.1: Why It Matters- Cell Membranes

  • Page ID
    44351
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    Why learn about cell membranes?

    Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs, as well as the pancreas, liver, and intestine. CF is characterized by abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across body tissues, leading to thick, viscous secretions. The hallmark symptoms of cystic fibrosis are salty tasting skin, poor growth, poor weight gain despite a normal food intake, accumulation of thick, sticky mucus, frequent chest infections, and coughing or shortness of breath. Symptoms often appear in infancy and childhood, such as bowel obstruction in newborn babies.

    The most serious symptoms of CF are difficulty breathing and frequent lung infections. Often, lung transplantation is ultimately necessary as CF worsens. Other symptoms, including sinus infections, poor growth, and infertility affect other parts of the body.

    Cystic fibrosis results from the malfunctioning of a single membrane transporter. How could this error in membrane transport result in such a disease?

    Contributors and Attributions

    CC licensed content, Original
    • Authored by: Shelli Carter and Lumen Learning. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution
    CC licensed content, Shared previously
    • Cystic Fibrosis. Provided by: Boundless. Located at: www.boundless.com/physiology/textbooks/boundless-anatomy-and-physiology-textbook/appendix-a-diseases-injuries-and-disorders-of-the-organ-systems-1416/respiratory-diseases-and-disorders-1464/cystic-fibrosis-1467-10141/. License: CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike

    6.1: Why It Matters- Cell Membranes is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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