Disease+&+Characteristics

= Disease & Characteristics =

What causes Cystic Fibrosis?
An inherited defective gene and protein product cause the lungs to clog with thick, sticky mucus. This leads to life threatening lung infections. The pancreas is also affected and stops natural enzymes from absorbing and breaking down food.

How is Cystic Fibrosis transmitted?
Cystic Fibrosis is inherited and is passed on through DNA. In order for a child to have Cystic Fibrosis, they must inherit one copy of the gene from each parent. When two carriers of the defective gene conceive a child, the child has a 25% chance of having Cystic Fibrosis, a 50% chance of carrying the gene but not having the disease, and a 25% chance of not carrying the gene or having Cystic Fibrosis. Both parents must pass the defective gene, which will make the child a carrier. Carriers do not always have to have the disorder, but can pass it on.