The airway epithelial cells maintain a thin layer of watery liquid containing sa

Question

The airway epithelial cells maintain a thin layer of watery liquid containing salt. Their cilia beat in the watery liquid to move mucus and particles out of the airway and into the back of the throat, where it is swallowed into the digestive tract. To maintain salt balance, the CFTR channel opens to allow Cl- ions to diffuse across the cell membrane and into the airway liquid. In the absence of CFTR function, the airway liquid becomes hypotonic. Which way will water molecules flow?

The airway epithelial cells maintain a thin layer of watery liquid containing salt. Their cilia beat in the watery liquid to move mucus and particles out of the airway and into the back of the throat, where it is swallowed into the digestive tract. To maintain salt balance, the CFTR channel opens to allow Cl- ions to diffuse across the cell membrane and into the airway liquid. In the absence of CFTR function, the airway liquid becomes hypotonic. Which way will water molecules flow?

The movement of chloride ions through the plasma membrane would be best described by which of the following lines?

Explanation / Answer

1) There will be no net movement of water into or out of the airway - In the absence of Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel, the movement of salt and water into or out of the cells will be blocked, leading to abnormally thick mucus that obstructs the airway. This condition can be seen in patients with Cystic fibrosis.

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