Question

Define Gene therapy?

Answer 1

Gene therapy is a new technique for treating the diseases at genetic level. In this technique healthy genes are replaced in place of faulty genes in an embryo. This technique is based on recombinant DNA technology.

Complete Answer:
Gene therapy is an experimental technique. This technique uses genes to treat the disease. It is a therapy which involves the transfer or inserting a gene into a patient’s cells instead of using drugs or surgery.

Types of gene therapy-
The gene therapy is of two different types based on the types of cells involved.
(I) Somatic gene therapy- Somatic cells means the vegetative cells. The therapy involves the transfer of desired genes to the somatic cells.
(II) Gemline gene therapy- Germline cells means the sex cell. The therapy involves the transfer of desired gene to the sex cells i.e. the cells which produce eggs or sperms.

Applications of Gene therapy:
- Can be used on individuals as well as embryos.
- Useful in treating genetic disorder.
- It is a target therapy. It only changes or treats the target cells.
- The therapy has a long term effect even on generations.

Challenges: The new gene is injected into the body. Our immune system can reject the gene due to the action of our body cells on the foreign target.

Note: Gene Therapy is a promising treatment for a number of diseases like cancers, certain viral infections or even some inherited disorders. This therapy is currently being tested only on diseases that have no cure. This technique is still under study and is a promising safe and effective technique.