Question

In the near future gene therapy may provide cures for genetic disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency or cystic fibrosis. In this case, scientists are using __________ to deliver good genes, or genes to halt a disorder, to the cells of a patient's body.
A) viruses
B) bacteria
C) vaccines
D) carrier proteins
HINT: AN OBLIGATE PARASITE USED FOR GOOD

Answer 1

Answer:

A) viruses

Explanation:

Scientists use viruses and precisely saying viral vectors in gene therapy to to cure genetic disorders.

Gene therapy can be of three types based on the way the gene is treated which are mentioned as under:

In gene augmentation therapy, the non-functional gene is retained in the genome and another functional copy of that gene in introduced into the genome with the help of viral vector. Cystic fibrosis is treated in this way.

An another type of gene therapy is gene knock out therapy in which the non functional gene is replaced by a functional copy through gene knock out.

In gene inhibition therapy, hyper activated genes are silenced with the help of siRNA, this type of gene therapy is used for treating cancer.

Answer 2

The correct answer is A) viruses.