Which genetic disorder is characterized by thick mucus in the lungs and pancreatic issues?

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Prepare for the HOSA Human Heredity Test. Explore multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding of genetics and heredity concepts. Secure your success!

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system, particularly the pancreas. It is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which encodes a protein that helps regulate the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. When this protein is dysfunctional due to the mutation, it leads to the production of thick and sticky mucus in the lungs, which can obstruct airways and create an environment prone to infections. Additionally, it impairs the pancreas by blocking the release of digestive enzymes necessary for breaking down food, leading to issues with nutrient absorption.

The other disorders listed involve different mechanisms and systems. Huntington's disease affects the brain and nervous system due to a genetic mutation leading to neuronal degeneration. Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in blood-clotting factors, while Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that impacts the cardiovascular system, skeletal structure, and eyes, but does not involve issues related to mucus production or pancreatic function. Thus, the symptoms and underlying genetics of cystic fibrosis distinctly characterize it as the disorder associated with thick mucus in the lungs and pancreatic complications.

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