Which disease leads to severe lung damage due to water imbalance in tissues?

• A. Albinism
• B. Cystic fibrosis
• C. Phenylketonuria
• D. Sickle cell disease

Answer: (B)

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which is responsible for coding a protein involved in the regulation of salt and water movement across cell membranes. This dysfunction leads to an imbalance of salt and water in various tissues, notably in the lungs.

In the case of lung tissues, the impaired function of the CFTR protein results in thick and sticky mucus instead of the thin, watery secretions that are normal. This viscous mucus obstructs airways, creates an environment conducive to bacterial infections, and leads to chronic inflammation, ultimately resulting in severe lung damage. The ongoing cycle of infection and inflammation can cause significant degradation of lung function over time.

Other options, while related to genetic disorders, do not primarily manifest through water imbalance in tissues resulting in lung damage. Albinism relates to pigmentation issues, phenylketonuria involves a metabolic disorder due to amino acid buildup, and sickle cell disease primarily affects red blood cell shape and function but does not cause water imbalance in tissues. This specificity is what solidifies cystic fibrosis as the disease associated with severe lung damage due to water imbalance.