Gene Therapy

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of gene therapy, a rapidly advancing field that aims to treat diseases by modifying genetic material.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: gene therapy genetic engineering biotechnology
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What is the primary goal of gene therapy?

  1. To introduce functional genes into cells to correct genetic defects.

  2. To enhance physical appearance and athletic abilities.

  3. To create genetically modified organisms for agricultural purposes.

  4. To develop new antibiotics to combat bacterial infections.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Gene therapy aims to address genetic disorders by introducing healthy genes into cells to replace or supplement defective ones.

Which of the following is NOT a common method of gene delivery in gene therapy?

  1. Viral vectors

  2. Naked DNA injection

  3. Electroporation

  4. Gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Naked DNA injection is not a widely used method for gene delivery due to its low efficiency in introducing genes into cells.

Which genetic disorder is commonly treated using gene therapy?

  1. Cystic fibrosis

  2. Sickle cell anemia

  3. Huntington's disease

  4. Alzheimer's disease


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic disorders treated with gene therapy, aiming to introduce a functional copy of the CFTR gene to correct the underlying defect.

What is the main challenge associated with viral vectors in gene therapy?

  1. Immunogenicity and potential side effects

  2. Low efficiency of gene delivery

  3. Difficulty in targeting specific cells

  4. High cost of production


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Viral vectors can trigger an immune response in the body, leading to side effects and potential rejection of the gene therapy.

Which type of gene therapy involves modifying the patient's own cells outside the body before reintroducing them?

  1. In vivo gene therapy

  2. Ex vivo gene therapy

  3. Somatic gene therapy

  4. Germline gene therapy


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Ex vivo gene therapy involves modifying cells outside the body, such as stem cells, before transplanting them back into the patient.

What is the primary concern regarding germline gene therapy?

  1. Potential for unintended genetic changes

  2. Risk of side effects in the patient

  3. Ethical implications of altering the genetic makeup of future generations

  4. High cost of treatment


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Germline gene therapy raises ethical concerns due to its potential to alter the genetic heritage of future generations.

Which gene editing tool is commonly used in gene therapy to make precise changes to DNA?

  1. CRISPR-Cas9

  2. TALENs

  3. Zinc finger nucleases

  4. Meganucleases


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

CRISPR-Cas9 is a widely used gene editing tool that allows researchers to make precise changes to DNA sequences.

What is the primary goal of gene editing in gene therapy?

  1. To introduce new genes into cells

  2. To repair or replace defective genes

  3. To regulate gene expression levels

  4. To enhance immune function


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Gene editing in gene therapy aims to repair or replace defective genes with functional ones to correct genetic disorders.

Which of the following is NOT a potential application of gene therapy?

  1. Treating genetic diseases

  2. Developing personalized medicine

  3. Enhancing athletic performance

  4. Creating genetically modified crops


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Gene therapy is primarily used for treating genetic diseases, not for enhancing athletic performance.

What is the main advantage of using viral vectors in gene therapy?

  1. High efficiency of gene delivery

  2. Low risk of immunogenicity

  3. Ability to target specific cells easily

  4. Low cost of production


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Viral vectors are commonly used in gene therapy due to their high efficiency in delivering genes into cells.

Which type of gene therapy involves modifying genes directly within the patient's body?

  1. In vivo gene therapy

  2. Ex vivo gene therapy

  3. Somatic gene therapy

  4. Germline gene therapy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In vivo gene therapy involves modifying genes directly within the patient's body, without removing cells from the body.

What is the primary concern regarding somatic gene therapy?

  1. Potential for unintended genetic changes

  2. Risk of side effects in the patient

  3. Ethical implications of altering the genetic makeup of future generations

  4. High cost of treatment


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Somatic gene therapy carries the risk of side effects in the patient, as it involves modifying genes in somatic cells.

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of gene therapy?

  1. Curing genetic diseases

  2. Improving disease management

  3. Enhancing physical appearance

  4. Preventing future diseases


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Gene therapy is primarily used for treating genetic diseases, not for enhancing physical appearance.

What is the main challenge associated with gene editing in gene therapy?

  1. Potential for unintended genetic changes

  2. Low efficiency of gene editing

  3. Difficulty in targeting specific genes

  4. High cost of gene editing tools


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Gene editing in gene therapy carries the risk of unintended genetic changes, known as off-target effects.

Which of the following is NOT a type of gene therapy based on the target cells?

  1. Somatic gene therapy

  2. Germline gene therapy

  3. In vivo gene therapy

  4. Ex vivo gene therapy


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

In vivo gene therapy is not a type of gene therapy based on the target cells, as it refers to the method of gene delivery directly within the patient's body.

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