Step-by-step explanation:
Gene therapy is a medical field that aims to treat genetic disorders by introducing or modifying genetic material within an individual's cells. The goal is to replace a missing or defective gene or to introduce a new gene to improve the function of a specific cell or tissue.
There are two main approaches to gene therapy: ex vivo and in vivo. Ex vivo gene therapy involves the removal of cells from a patient, modifying the cells outside of the body, and then re-implanting them back into the patient. In contrast, in vivo gene therapy directly delivers the genetic material to the targeted cells within the body.
Gene therapy can be achieved using various methods, such as viral vectors, which are modified viruses that can deliver the genetic material to cells. Other methods include using nanoparticles or directly injecting the genetic material into cells.
Although gene therapy has the potential to cure genetic disorders, there are still some challenges and risks associated with it, including the risk of immune reactions, unintended mutations, and the difficulty of delivering the genetic material to the appropriate cells. However, with ongoing research and development, gene therapy is becoming increasingly promising as a viable treatment option for a variety of genetic disorders.