Relating the Topic to the Course
The contents of gene therapy correlate greatly the class criteria. In class, it was learned that genes are parts of chromosomes that governs the expression of a particular trait that can be passed on to future generations. Each gene contains two alleles, one from each parent. Alleles are possible alternate forms of a gene which are located at on a particular region of a chromosome. The genotypes of cells are the genetic makeup of an organism. The phenotype is the actual trait that is expressed as a result of a genotype. Gene therapy involves altering the genotypes of organisms by correcting the faulty genes. However, the genes can also be changed completely by this treatment. The alleles of a gene could be modified and that could result in different expressed traits (phenotypes). Such different traits include a change in eye/hair colour or a change in height. It is a technique that has the potential to alter the genetic makeup of an individual, for better or for worse.
It was also learned that biotechnology is the usage of organisms to make beneficial products. By combining a vector with a therapeutic gene, scientists have the ability to correct faulty genes in genetic diseases and save lives. Gene therapy is a great example of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the production of new genes and the alteration of genomes by substituting or introducing new genetic material. Gene therapy involves targeting malfunctioning cells with healthy genetic material so that it may aid them in functioning normally again.
It was also learned that biotechnology is the usage of organisms to make beneficial products. By combining a vector with a therapeutic gene, scientists have the ability to correct faulty genes in genetic diseases and save lives. Gene therapy is a great example of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the production of new genes and the alteration of genomes by substituting or introducing new genetic material. Gene therapy involves targeting malfunctioning cells with healthy genetic material so that it may aid them in functioning normally again.