What type of disorder is Cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is classified as an autosomal recessive disorder. This means that for an individual to express the condition, they must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent). The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis is located on chromosome 7, which is an autosome, or a non-sex chromosome.

When both parents are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene mutation, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that their child will have cystic fibrosis, a 50% chance that the child will be a carrier like the parents, and a 25% chance that the child will neither have the condition nor carry the gene.

In the case of cystic fibrosis, the mutation leads to thick, sticky mucus production that can severely affect the lungs, digestive system, and other organs, making it a significant health condition requiring ongoing care. Understanding that it is an autosomal recessive disorder highlights the genetic background of how the disease is passed down through generations and underlines the necessity of both parents carrying the gene for a child to be affected.