Genes and Proteins in Hemophilia
Genetic researchers at Bay Medical Company are working to improve treatments for hemophilia. Currently, they are investigating the possibilities of gene therapy, which involves changing a person’s genes so that that person no longer has hemophilia. In order to help Bay Medical Company with their research, read the passage below and then answer the question.
Genes are instructions for proteins. Your traits are determined by the kinds of proteins your body makes. For example, when you get a cut, clotting factor proteins connect to form scabs. People with hemophilia do not have a version of the gene with the right instructions for making clotting factor VIII protein. Without the right instructions, their cells can’t make the proteins needed to form scabs. Healthy people have at least one copy of the gene that provides the right instructions for making all of the clotting factor proteins.
If genetic researchers found a way to change a person’s genes, would they be able to cure hemophilia? Why or why not?