Question

1- how does structure/function relationship illustrate/explain cystic fibrosis

2- how does structure/function relationship illustrate sickle cell disease?

Answer 1

1.Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis(CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body

• Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices
• It is a most chronic lung disease in children and young adults.
• These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with CF, a defective Gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick.
• Instead of acting as lubricants, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.
• Symptoms include coughing or increased mucus in the sinuses , fatigue, pneumonia.
• Treatment includes , Antibiotics to prevent and treat lung and sinus infection (Azithromycin) are given.

2. Sickle cell disease:  It is a group of inherited red blood cell disorder. Healthy red blood cells are round and they move through small blood vessels carrying oxygen to all parts of the body.

• In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a sickle
• Sickle cell die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells.
• They can get struck in the small blood vessels and block the flow the blood and oxygen to organs in the body. These blockage cause repeated episodes of severe pain , organ damage , serious infection, even stroke.
• Symptoms include pain,visual blurring, jaundice, syncope, Dactylitis, leg ulcer and Neurological symptoms.
• Treatment includes receiving blood transfusion, and maintaining high fluid intake .