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Scientists can use ______ ______ to restore defective genes in pluripotent stem cells. The modified stem cells can then be infused into a patient to treat certain conditions. This technology has been used with some success to treat patients infected with HIV?

1) Gene therapy
2) Stem cell therapy
3) Immunotherapy
4) Chemotherapy

2 Answers

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Final answer:

Scientists utilize gene therapy to correct defective genes in pluripotent stem cells, which can then be used to treat HIV and other genetic conditions. This includes ex vivo gene therapy, where modified cells are reinfused into the patient, showing promise for single-gene defect diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientists can use gene therapy to restore defective genes in pluripotent stem cells. The modified stem cells can then be infused into a patient to treat certain conditions, such as those infected with HIV. Gene therapy involves the insertion of genes into a person's cells and tissues to treat a disease. One method, known as ex vivo gene therapy, includes collecting somatic cells from the affected individual, modifying these cells with a corrective gene, and then reinfusing the modified cells back into the patient's body.

This technique is promising for diseases caused by single-gene defects like cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, and sickle cell anemia. Additionally, stem cell therapy offers treatment options for diseases like diabetes and heart disease by using stem cells that are induced to differentiate and then injected to repair damaged tissues.

User Corey Farwell
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Final answer:

Gene therapy is used to restore defective genes in pluripotent stem cells, which can treat various conditions, including HIV, by infusing modified stem cells into the patient. 1) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientists can use gene therapy to restore defective genes in pluripotent stem cells. This advanced therapeutic technique involves the insertion of working genes into a patient's cells to repair inherited genetic defects or treat diseases. In the case of conditions like HIV, modified stem cells can be infused back into the patient to impart a functional immune response or correct genetic abnormalities.

Utilizing viral vectors, the correct version of genes can be introduced into human cells, which then differentiate and multiply, aiming to replace or repair malfunctioning genes within the patient's body.

For conditions caused by single-gene defects such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, and sickle cell anemia, gene therapy has shown potential. In particular, the treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) via gene therapy has been a notable advancement. Although cell-based therapy also utilizes stem cells to treat diseases, in this context, gene therapy is the precise method used for modifying genes within pluripotent stem cells.

User Luc Franken
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