Text: Massive advances in DNA technology over the last 20 years mean that molecu

Question

Text:

Massive advances in DNA technology over the last 20 years mean that molecular biology and genetics are central in fields as diverse as forensics, epidemiology, screening for diseases and archaeology. The tools and the knowledge now available allow manipulation of the ‘blueprints’ of life and the creation of ‘novel’ organisms such as gene therapy.

Question:

Discuss about gene therapy. Do you support or against Gene therapy? If yes or no, give your reasons.

*Remark: It has to be at least 400 words (without plagiarism)

Explanation / Answer

Gene therapy is an experimental technique for correction of defective genes that are responsible for disease development. It involves the insertion of normal gene to replace a defective gene.

There are three main approaches of gene therapy

Several studies are ongoing on gene therapy for following diseaeses.

The concept of gene therapy was introduced in 1960. In 1990, scientists successfully treated sickle cell anaemia in mice using gene therapy. Scirntist named Gero Hutter has cured a man with HIV using gene therapy in 2011.

There are two types of gene therapy

Germline gene therapy can result in permanent cure for all who inherit the target gene. Somatic gene therapy affect only the target gene in the patient and will not pass to next generation. Somatic gene therapy is applicable for various diseases like cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and cancer.

Types of somatic gene therapy

Exvivo gene therapy

In-vivo gene therapy

Basic process of gene therapy involves the transfer of gene through vectors. Vectors are of two types.

Virus vector

Non-viral vectors are naked DNA directly injected to the organism by physical methods such as

Scientists use chemical methods to enhance the delivery method of gene therapy using chemical compounds such as lipoplexes and polyplexes.

Major achievements using gene therapy

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