What is one ethical concern unique to germline gene therapy (modifying sperm, eggs, or embryos) as opposed to somatic cell gene therapy?
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Correct answer: Genetic changes can be passed on to future generations
Germline gene therapy could permanently alter the human germline, passing changes to future generations and raising ethical concerns about consent, long-term effects, and societal impact.
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More Gene therapy basics questions
- Which regulatory challenge is commonly associated with clinical application of gene therapy?
- Which of the following best describes why a “perfect vector” for gene therapy does not yet exist?
- How can gene therapy address diseases caused by a dominant negative mutation (where a mutant gene product interferes with normal function)?
- Which statement about non-viral gene delivery systems is correct compared to viral vectors?
- Which gene therapy approach could potentially treat a recessive loss-of-function genetic disease by restoring missing protein function?
- Which of the following is an advantage of using in vivo gene therapy over ex vivo gene therapy?