X-linked Glomerulopathy (XG) is an inherited kidney disorder that affects the filtration barrier in the glomeruli of both men and women. In affected individuals, the glomerular basement membrane is abnormal, which leads to albuminuria (abnormally high quantities of albumin, a plasma protein, in the urine).
Suggest how XG causes albuminuria.
XG results from a sex-linked recessive mutation. In a male with XG, where would this mutation be located? Select (✓) one box.
[ ] The homologous section of a Y chromosome
[ ] The homologous section of an X chromosome
[ ] The non-homologous section of a Y chromosome
[ ] The non-homologous section of an X chromosome
Scientists investigated the use of transplanted stem cells to treat XG in rats. They set up four experimental groups:
After 24 weeks, the scientists measured the quantity of albumin in the urine using a scale from 0 (none) to ++++ (highest concentration). The results are shown in Table 1.
| Group | Maximum quantity of albumin in urine at 24 weeks | Percentage of rats with this quantity of albumin (%) |
|---|---|---|
| P | 0 | 100 |
| Q | ++++ | 96 |
| R | ++++ | 100 |
| S | + | 72 |
Using all the information provided, evaluate the use of stem cells to treat XG in humans.
The scientists carried out further work to investigate how the transplanted stem cells developed after transplantation.
Suggest how the transplanted stem cells reduced albuminuria.
