The first disorder Devon researched was cystic fibrosis (CF). He learned that CF is a result of misfolded proteins being produce
d within the cell. When transported to their proper place in the plasma membrane, these misfolded proteins prevent salt from properly being pumped out of the cell. As a consequence, the cells swell with fluid that should instead be a part of the mucus membranes of the body. These mucus membranes become overly thick & sticky, causing many problems such as thick mucus filling the lungs. Which cellular organelle is responsible for the production of the malformed proteins?
Cystic fibrosis is a disease inherited, this means, the disease is a mutation in a chromosome (a gene whose code has been altered). DNA information is transformed into proteins at ribosomes (the organelle in charge of protein synthesis) but the error comes from the DNA.