Question

patient #3 (16 - month - old male) symptoms: persistent cough with lots of phlegm, thick runny nose, greasy stools patient history: history of frequent pneumonia and bronchitis, mother reports that when she kisses his forehead he tastes salty, family history of cystic fibrosis (a grandparent on both sides of the family), family history of lung cancer (uncle on fathers side), regular checkups and balanced diet. physical exam reveals: wheezing and shortness of breath, very thick mucus coughed up from lungs, low weight for age lab results: high chloride (salt) levels in sweat; inadequate transport of items in and out of the cell; inability to maintain balance of salt and water both inside and out of the cell in the cells that produce sweat, tears, saliva, and mucus. which organelles is not functioning properly? a mitochondria b flagella c cilia d golgi apparatus

Explanation:

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the transport of salt and water across cell membranes. The symptoms described (high chloride in sweat, mucus - related issues) are characteristic of cystic fibrosis, which is due to a malfunction of the cell membrane - associated transport mechanisms. Cilia are involved in moving mucus and other substances in the respiratory tract. In cystic fibrosis, the thick mucus cannot be properly cleared by cilia due to the underlying cellular transport defect. Mitochondria are related to energy production, flagella are for cell movement in some cells, and the Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids.

Answer:

C. cilia