Question

3.Genetic disorders are diseases that are inherited. Sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and Down syndrome are three common genetic disorders. Choose one of these diseases and research the genetic basis of the disease as well as how the disease can affect a person who inherits it.

Answer 1

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe problems mainly on the respiratory system, but also on other organs such as the pancreas or the liver. It is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning that an individual needs to inherit one copy of the gene from each parent in order to have the disease. The disorder is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes the protein that participates in the transport salt intracellularly. This mutation causes a defect in the production of mucus, sweat and digestive fluid. In patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, these bodily fluids and the mucus are sticky and thick. This change in consistency causes severe damage to the respiratory and digestive systems.