Question

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a condition affecting the secretory gland, such as mucus, and sweat glands. People with CF produce a thick sticky mucus which leads to a wide range of problems, including digestive issues and greater susceptibility to lung infection. Males with CP are typically infertile. People with CF historically had a short lifespan, although people are now living longer as treatment improves. CF is caused by a mutation of the CFTR gene, which codes for a protein that transports chloride ions across the cell membrane.
In the U.S., the condition occurs in up to 1 of every 2500 newborns of European descent. Only 1 in 17000 African- American, and 1 in 31000 Asian Americans are affected.
Which of the following hypotheses could explain the increased prevalence of CF in European populations?
(a) Carriers of a mutated CFTR gene are resistant to diseases that historically affected the European population.
(b) Individuals with CF have higher fitness at higher latitudes.
(c) The CFTR gene is linked to the IRF5 gene, which is tied to autoimmune problems.
(d) The CFTR gene originated in Europe.

Answer 1

Hint: A defect (mutation) in a gene and the transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, changes a protein that regulates the movement of salt in and out of cells. The result's thick, sticky mucus within the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, also as increased salt in sweat.

Complete answer:
In the European population, the advantage of heterozygote it may be considered for cystic fibrosis where the chance of heterozygotes’ survival is more when compared with homozygous ones and also the theory which explains that the CFTR gene may lend resistance to cholera, diarrhea, bowel inflammations that caused many historical deaths, especially in infants.

Additional information: During cystic fibrosis, the cells produce bodily fluid, sweat, and stomach related juices. These discharged liquids are typically slight and dangerous. In any case, the individuals suffer from CF, a flawed quality makes the discharges become clingy and thick. Rather than going about as oils, the emissions stop up cylinders, channels, and ways, particularly inside the lungs and pancreas.
So, the correct answer to the above question is ‘(a) Carriers of a mutated CFTR gene are immune to diseases that historically affected the European population’.

Note: Cystic fibrosis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the disease. Even within the same person, symptoms may worsen or improve as time passes. Some people might not experience symptoms until their teenage years or adulthood. Individuals who aren't analyzed until adulthood for the most part have a milder illness and are bound to have atypical manifestations, such as recurring bouts of an aggravated pancreas (pancreatitis), barrenness, and recurring pneumonia.