Question

What is the benefit of using a retrovirus as a vector in gene therapy?
A. It is not able to enter cells
B. It eliminates a lot of unnecessary steps
C. It incorporates the foreign gene into the host chromosome
D. Both b and c

Answer 1

Gene therapy is a way of treating diseases by altering an individual's gene expression or correcting defective genes, which can be accomplished by replacing mutated genes, inactivating mutated genes, or introducing a new gene into the body.
Two types of gene therapy are somatic cell gene therapy and germ line gene therapy.
A cell with a faulty gene can be injected with a normal gene to restore its normal function in gene therapy. This approach can also be used to combat a variety of ailments that affect the human body. The damaged proteins in the cell are replaced by inserting new DNA into the cell.

Complete answer:
Option A: The ability of retroviral vectors to turn their single-stranded RNA genome into a double-stranded DNA molecule that integrates into the target cell genome is their most significant benefit. This indicates that retroviral vectors can be employed to permanently alter the nuclear genome of the host cell.
So, option A is not correct.
Option B: They have a number of advantages, including chromosome integration, consistent expression, the elimination of numerous redundant processes that are required when utilising other approaches for gene therapy, and the virus's unique life cycle, which produces no immunogenicity.
So, option B is not correct.
Option C: They have several advantages, including chromosome integration, constant expression, the elimination of multiple redundant procedures that are required when using other gene therapy approaches, and the virus's unique life cycle, which creates minimal immunogenicity.
So, option C is not correct.
Option D: Retroviruses are enclosed viruses with only one strand of RNA in their genome. After entering cells, they are able to easily integrate into the human genome, where they lay the foundation for permanent expression of foreign DNA. They have various advantages, including the incorporation of the gene of interest into chromosomes, steady expression, the elimination of many redundant processes that are required when using other methods for gene therapy, and the virus's unique life cycle, which causes no immunogenicity.

So, option D is the correct answer.

Note:
Gene therapy has both advantages and disadvantages.
Pros: can be used to prevent disease in future generations, has the ability to remove and prevent genetic disorders, and has the potential to cure heart disease, AIDS, and other ailments.
Cons: Gene therapy cannot have long-term effects since cells continue to divide fast; illnesses induced by the action of numerous genes cannot be healed; viruses used as vectors may cause infection or damage.