A New Future Gene Therapy Essay - 1434 Words

A New Future: Gene Therapy Imagine a world where a person could change his or her genetic structure and redirect the future course of evolution in their child and themselves. Through gene therapy this is a very real possibility. In the future it could be just as easy to change your physical or mental health as it is to get flu shot now. But the affects of gene therapy are long lasting and could affect your future offspring as well as your own health. What is gene therapy? First discovered in the middle of the 1970s researchers were able to isolate certain genes from DNA. During the 1980s the term gene therapy came about and propelled research further. The definition of gene therapy is a technique where the genes causing a†¦show more content†¦This is because any rearranging of genes happens in the somatic or non-reproductive cells (BIO, 1990). The net type of gene therapy takes place in the reproductive cells or germline cells. The term germline therapy is used to describe the form of gene therapy where the correct gene is inserted into the reproductive cells. Therefore when the treated individual reproduces his or her offspring will have the correct gene instead of the defected one. This treatment affects both the parent and the offspring. It is also possible to insert a manipulated gene into an early embryo so this new individual will have the correct gene sequence. This treatment only affects the embryo. One thing to remember is that germline therapy not only affects the individual but their potential offspring as well (BIO, 1990). Thus germline therapy is passed on into the gene pool of future generations. The challenge in gene therapy is how to get the correct genetic material to the appropriate cells. According to Encyclopedia Britannica online 1998 there are three types of delivery systems- a viral vector, a chemical method or a physical method. The most common and accurate is a viral vector. Technology has developed vectors, which encapsulate therapeutic genes, in order for delivery to defected cells. Many vectors are actually viruses. Viruses are efficient in targeting cells and delivering information. According to PBS online 1998, viruses are actually genes wrapped in a protein coat.Show MoreRelatedGene Therapy And Delivery Methods1245 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction: Each human body consists of net numbers of genes in which half of genes are defective in nature. We do not suffer any injurious effects from that defective genes as we carry two copies of DNA that carries two copies of the specific gene present in somatic cells. The gene which is likely to be harmful is recessive gene so if we inherit two copies of recessive gene from our parent, then disease will occur ( Carroll, 2011).Now days every year noticeable children are born with geneticRead MoreImplications of and Attitudes toward Gene Therapy914 Words   |  4 Pagesviable technique in gene therapy to humans – adding a gene to replace improperly functioning gene through a vector. Its basic mechanics is administering the DNA to the patient. Introduce the DNA to the diseased cell by a genetically engineered virus and express a protein. This can be done by injecting it to the bloodstream. The therapeutic genes are hoped to genetically alter the cells for normal functioning. Gene therapy involves vectors, such as virus and bacteria, because a gene directly insertedRead MoreThe New Paradigm Gene Therapy965 Words   |  4 Pages Gene therapy, the experimental strategy that requires the use of genes to prevent and cure diseases is a fairly new technique, yet it is one which has shown steady advancements. The journal article â€Å"Gene therapy clinical trials worldwide to 2012—An update† sets out to present analysis and summaries of clinical trials that have been performed worldwide. Authors Samantha L. Ginn, Ian E. Alexander, Michael Edelstein, Mohammad R. Abedi and Joanne Wixon dive into some of the 1843 gene therapy trialsRead MoreEssay on A Look at Gene Therapy1264 Words   |  6 PagesWould you consider altering your DNA if it could save your life? Scientist have been working on gene therapy since the 1970s, this biotechnological form of medicine is the attempt to medically modify cells to help eliminate or prevent diseases by correctin g defective genes. 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Through gene augmentation therapy, faulty genes would be taken out of the genome sequence and replaced, effectively ending the effects that the mutated gene had on the bodyRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Designer Babies1687 Words   |  7 Pagesmodification of the genes to be able to change t he characteristics of the person. â€Å"Designer babies† is when the parents choose the genetic information of the child, while in embryo. The genetic engineering will occur hand in hand with in vitro fertilization. For â€Å"designer babies† to actually be created, the parents need a donor with the genes the parents want inserted in their child. Whereas, genetic therapy is the changing of the person’s genes after they have been born. Gene therapy occurs by insertingRead MoreGene Therapy And Germline Therapy1612 Words   |  7 PagesToday the topic of gene therapy will be discussed, so to begin, what is gene therapy? Basically, gene therapy is the modification of genes to alter a certain characteristic that ultimately can cure a genetic disease. There are two types of gene therapy: somatic gene therapy and germline gene therapy. Somatic gene therapy is when blood cells are extracted from a person and a normal gene is then inserted into the defective cell. This does not prevent the disease from occurring in future generations becauseRead MoreThe History Of Sytech And Gene Therapy1130 Words   |  5 PagesAll you need to know about Gene therapy Sytech- Curing the future The history of SyTech and Gene therapy Gene therapy was introduced in 1985 by SyTech and has been the main priority of the company ever since due to its promising future in science. One of the first human gene therapy procedures involved injecting the correct ADA gene to a four year old girl with the ADA deficiency. Due to the success of the procedure, the patient is now living a healthy life. The success marked an important landmark