In cystic fibrosis, the bronchial epithelial defect is best described as a defect in which type of protein?

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Multiple Choice

In cystic fibrosis, the bronchial epithelial defect is best described as a defect in which type of protein?

Explanation:
The key idea is that the bronchial epithelium in cystic fibrosis is defective in a transporter protein that moves chloride ions across the apical membrane to hydrate the airway surface liquid. The CFTR protein belongs to the ATP-binding cassette transporter family, and its job is to regulate chloride transport (and thus water movement) into the airway lumen. When CFTR is defective, chloride secretion drops and sodium absorption increases, leading to reabsorption of water and thick, sticky mucus. That dehydrated mucus clogs airways and fosters infections and lung damage. So the defect is best described as a problem with a transporter protein that controls ion movement and hydration of the mucus, rather than a receptor or an enzyme.

The key idea is that the bronchial epithelium in cystic fibrosis is defective in a transporter protein that moves chloride ions across the apical membrane to hydrate the airway surface liquid. The CFTR protein belongs to the ATP-binding cassette transporter family, and its job is to regulate chloride transport (and thus water movement) into the airway lumen. When CFTR is defective, chloride secretion drops and sodium absorption increases, leading to reabsorption of water and thick, sticky mucus. That dehydrated mucus clogs airways and fosters infections and lung damage. So the defect is best described as a problem with a transporter protein that controls ion movement and hydration of the mucus, rather than a receptor or an enzyme.

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