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It has been suggested that gene therapy is a possible treatment for muscular dystrophy - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 16 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 16
It has been suggested that gene therapy is a possible treatment for muscular dystrophy. Expected benefits if this technique is successfully used include the A. inabi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:It has been suggested that gene therapy is a possible treatment for muscular dystrophy - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 16 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. inability of the introduced allele being passed on to offspring.
Answer
This option focuses on the risk of inheriting the introduced allele. In gene therapy, one of the expected benefits could be that the gene introduced does not get passed onto the next generations, ensuring that any potential negative effects are localized and do not affect future progeny.
Step 2
B. introduced DNA remaining functional for a short time in cells.
Answer
This option highlights the temporary nature of some gene therapies. While having the introduced DNA functional for a short duration might be beneficial in certain contexts, it is generally not a primary expected benefit since it may not provide a long-term solution.
Step 3
Step 4
D. production of normal dystrophin protein in genetically affected individuals.
Answer
This is a key expected benefit of gene therapy for muscular dystrophy. The goal of the therapy is to successfully enable the production of the normal dystrophin protein in affected individuals, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with the disease and improving muscle function.