Question

When gene targetting involving gene amplification is attempted in an individual’s tissue to treat disease, it is known as :

• A. Safety testing
• B. Biopiracy
• C. Gene therapy
• D. Molecular diagnosis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The process described in the question pertains to the use of gene targeting and amplification in an individual's tissue, aiming to treat a disease. This specific intervention is termed as Gene Therapy. Let's delve into a detailed explanation:

1. Understanding Gene Therapy: Gene therapy is a technique where genes are used to treat or prevent disease. This is done by introducing, removing, or altering the genetic material within a person's cells to correct the underlying problem.
2. Mechanism of Gene Therapy:
   • The process usually involves inserting a functional copy of a gene into a patient’s cells, which is most commonly achieved through a vector, such as a virus, to deliver the gene.
   • Amplification, or increase in gene copy number, might also be used to enhance the expression of a therapeutic gene to achieve the desired effect.
3. Diseases Treated by Gene Therapy: Currently, gene therapy is utilized for treating genetic disorders, certain types of cancer, and viral infections. For instance, it has shown promise in treating severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and some types of inherited blindness.
4. Eliminating Other Options:
   • Safety Testing: This involves evaluating the safety and potential side effects of a treatment or intervention, not specifically related to gene manipulation.
   • Biopiracy: Refers to the unethical appropriation of indigenous knowledge or biological resources, unrelated to the gene targeting for therapeutic use.
   • Molecular Diagnosis: Involves diagnosing diseases at a molecular level, such as identifying gene mutations, and is not a therapeutic intervention.
5. Conclusion: Given that the question involves gene amplification for treatment purposes, the correct answer is Gene Therapy.