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Gene therapy involves transferring desired genes into human cells to treat disease. Which of the following is NOT true about this technology?

1) It is a method used to treat diseases
2) It involves transferring desired genes into human cells
3) It is a technology that cannot be used to treat diseases
4) It is a form of therapy

User Selethen
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Option 3 is NOT true about gene therapy; it is used to treat diseases by replacing faulty genes with healthy ones using a viral vector. Gene therapy is still experimental but has had successful treatments.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gene therapy is a cutting-edge genetic engineering technique that represents a revolutionary approach to treating certain diseases at their genetic roots. It primarily involves the introduction of healthy genes into a patient's cells to compensate for malfunctioning or absent proteins due to genetic mutations. The therapy typically utilizes a viral vector, such as an adenovirus, to deliver these therapeutic genes into the human cells.

Option 3) 'It is a technology that cannot be used to treat diseases' is NOT true about gene therapy. In fact, gene therapy is specifically designed as a method to treat diseases by addressing genetic disorders at the DNA level, offering the potential to cure rather than just manage symptoms. While still largely in experimental stages, there have been successful gene therapy treatments, such as for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).

User Xielingyun
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