Cystic Fibrosis

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Cystic Fibrosis Results from Mutations in the genes encoding the cystic fibrosis trans membrane conductance regulator. This protein product is a traffic ATPase and C1 channel which localizes to the apical membrane of airway Epithelial. Breaking it down, Cystic Fibrosis is the most deadly common inherited disease affecting Caucasians in the United States. Cystic Fibrosis is a disorder that causes a thick and very sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tracks. Normally mucus in the lungs trap germs, which are then cleared out of the lungs, but in Cystic Fibrosis the mucus traps the germs in the lungs. The germs remain in the lungs and they become infected.. The mucus also disrupts the function of Epithelial cells which make up the sweat glands in the skin and the mucus also lines the passageway inside the lungs, pancreas digestion, and the liver. Cystic Fibrosis is the most common disease in children and young adults, and may result in an early death. This disease is caused by a defective gene and was discovered in the 1930's. Scientists are unsure why the Cystic Fibrosis gene evolved in Humans. The evidence they have though has shown that it helped to protect earlier generations from the bacteria that causes cholera. The highest population with Cystic Fibrosis is Europe. An estimated 1-29 Caucasians in America have the Cystic Fibrosis gene. Millions of Americans carry the Cystic Fibrosis gene, but will never have any symptoms. They are completely unaware of it. 30,000 children and young adults in the united states are living with this disease. However, fifteen percent of people are diagnosed later in life because the symptoms severity ... ... middle of paper ... ... for treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. Works cited "Common Facts about Cystic Fibrosis." Cystic Fibrosis. Web. 03 Mar. 2011. . Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Home . Web. 07 Mar. 2011. . CysticFibrosis.com - Resource for Cystic Fibrosis Information, Support and News . Web. 07 Mar. 2011. . Hopkin, Karen. Understanding Cystic Fibrosis. Jackson: University of Mississippi, 1998. Print. "Starting Treatment: Newly Diagnosed: CF Living." Home: CF Living. Web. 02 Mar. 2011. cid=pul_we_F001034_P000517&c=MTPLCF7300&gclid=CMigiqKnvacCFUNl7AodAFMdAw>. Thomson, Anne H., and Ann Harris. Cystic Fibrosis: the Facts. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2008. Print.

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