Biology, 18.10.2019 08:00 CoolRahim9090

Describe the process of altering the genetic variation of a cell using a genetically modified virus for human gene therapy. in the future, how may this effect the gene pool?

Answers: 1

Show answers

Answers

In human gene therapy, a genetically modified virus (a.k.a. a viral vector) can alter the genetic variation of a cell, but not all viral vectors do.

The process often begins with the delivery of or creation of a segment of viral double stranded DNA (containing the gene you want to introduce). Then typically an enzyme known as an integrase cuts the ends of the segment of viral DNA and also cuts open the cell's DNA. Then the viral DNA is integrated/ inserted into the cell's DNA. The connecting ends are ligated together and adjusted so that the nucleotide base pairs match up.

This in the future may affect the gene pool for instance if the viral DNA (your gene) was inserted in the middle of another gene or important regulatory sequence of the cell DNA, and this alteration may be passed on into offspring and become present in the gene pool, which could have bad effects.

The effects on the gene pool really depends on what the virus ends up doing. For example, it may fix the function of a damaged gene which is the goal, and allow for a working gene to be in the gene pool, which would be good. The problem with gene therapy is that it's difficult to predict 100% what the virus will do every time it is given to a patient.

But it's very important to consider that it will only affect the gene pool if the virus is able to enter and alter germ cells (reproductive cells). If the virus, enters somatic cells (regular body cells) this will not be passed on to future generations. So viruses can be designed to avoid germ cells and avoid this gene pool issue. Also, some viral vectors use viruses that do not integrate their DNA, the cells just express the viral DNA (create the desired protein from it) and over time the viral DNA is degraded/ lost which wouldn't pose this threat.

This is long, but I hope it helped!

Answer from: Quest

they float because they are less dense than the water itself

something denser than water, like a rock, will sink to the bottom

Answer from: Quest

True, for example the gulf of mexico is surrounded by the us and spain& mexico.

Another question on Biology

Biology, 22.06.2019 04:30

Which part of the cell is affected by the movement of molecules through diffusion, osmosis and active transport?

Answers: 3

Answer

Biology, 22.06.2019 08:30

Iwanna go do something with my ideas? ?

Answers: 2

Answer

Biology, 22.06.2019 09:20

Give examples of selective advantage of organism’s body part/organ

Answers: 1

Answer

Biology, 22.06.2019 13:00

Astudy by solloch and et. al., in 2017, gives the map above which shows the frequency of alleles with a ccr5-delta32 mutations over 87 different countries. this mutation deletes the presence of a co-receptor (ccr5) on the outside of human t-cells (lymphocytes). some viruses, such as the one responsible for the black death and human immunodeficiency virus (hiv), require this receptor for attachment to host cells during the infection process. the black death was an epidemic that passed over northern europe during the 14th century killing nearly 60% of europeans. according to this information, which explanation best explains why northern europeans show a greater immunity for hiv than some other parts of the world?

Answers: 1

Answer

You know the right answer?

Describe the process of altering the genetic variation of a cell using a genetically modified virus...

Questions