Outline the process of gene therapy using a named example.

Gene therapy is defined as a set of strategies or procedures that uses Recombinant DNA technology to insert DNA into a patient in order to correct a genetic disease. The result is an altered genotype where the abnormal gene is corrected. The process is still very experimental. In a genetic disease where the allele of a gene is recessive, adding the dominant allele to the patient could prevent the disease. An example is to prevent SCID (severe combined immune deficiency) caused by lack of the enzyme ADA, which produces lymphocytes that help the body fight diseases. The SCID encoded gene is recessive. The process would include: 1) screening a baby to identify whether it has SCID. 2) Obtaining the ADA encoded gene and inserting it into a retrovirus. 3) Mixing the retrovirus with stem cells. This causes the ADA gene to enter the stem cell's chromosomes. 4) The stem cells (now containing ADA) are injected back into the baby's blood stream.

Answered by Giulia T. Biology tutor

2132 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference between ventilation, gas exchange and cell respiration.


Explain the events that occur in cells that result in the production of genetically identical nuclei (8 marks)


What is hCG and what does it do?


Describe the differences between the products of mitosis and meiosis.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences