Genetic Conditions - Cystic Fibrosis
Science: KS3, topic 1.2.19
Genetic Conditions - Cystic Fibrosis
Genetic conditions are passed down from parents to their offspring. More often than not, parents are not aware they are carriers of the condition. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition.
Genetic conditions
- Genetic conditions occur when a gene is mutated.
- The mutated gene is inherited by offspring of the parents with the gene.
- Sometimes the mutation is random.
- Sometimes the mutation is passed down by the offspring's carrier parents.
- Genetic diseases are not infectious.
- Sometimes, carriers are not even aware that they are carriers of the condition.
Cystic fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition.
- Cystic fibrosis causes mucus to build up in the lungs.
- Mucus build-up causes an increase of infections and issues with digested food.
- Mucus stops enzymes from breaking down foods by clogging the pancreas.
- Cystic fibrosis shortens life expectancy.
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis
- People with cystic fibrosis may have:
- Yellow skin
- Lots of coughing
- Chest infections
- People with cystic fibrosis may also have:
- Diabetes
- Weakened bones
Testing for cystic fibrosis
- Newborn babies are screened for cystic fibrosis by the heel prick test.
- The heel prick test checks the baby's blood.
- The heel prick test checks for signs of cystic fibrosis.
- There is no direct cure for cystic fibrosis but certain symptoms can be treated.
Test yourself on Genetic Conditions - Cystic Fibrosis
Which part of the body is tested for cystic fibrosis?
Which parts of the body are affected by cystic fibrosis?
A baby is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, but neither of their parents is a carrier of the mutated gene. How could this happen?
A child shares a classroom with a classmate who has cystic fibrosis. Could the child catch cystic fibrosis from their classmate?