Background Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes…
Background Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes thick mucus buildup in the respiratory tract, leading to frequent infections. This is due to a faulty membrane protein responsible for the passive transport of chloride ions (Cl⁻). Although the protein is present in cell membranes, it does not function properly. Imagine you’re zooming in on a cell in someone with cystic fibrosis. Question What is going wrong at the level of molecules and ions within that cell? Specifically, explain how the problem with chloride ion (Cl⁻) movement affects the way the cell produces and handles mucus.