Question

What might be an advantage of beginning gene therapy prior to birth?

• A. This would give the body plenty of time to utilize the new genes.
• B. The body would not reject it as it has not yet recognized 'self'.
• C. The cells being extremely young. are more receptive of gene therapy.
• D. There probably is not any advantage.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The body would not reject it as it has not yet recognized 'self'.

Gene therapy is a newly emerging branch of biotechnology with tremendous results. It is basically used for correcting genetic disorders. In gene therapy, normal genes are introduced in the cells to replace the missing genes or defective genes.

Early gene therapy has been proved to be more effective in treating certain brain diseases in humans. They have also shown exemplary results in mice.

When a child is born, he has its innate immunity, which does not allow any foreign body to settle into its own body easily. But before birth, it has not yet recognized itself, so therapy would be easily accepted.

So the correct answer is B.