MI 2.2 Gene Therapy; Tools of the Trade

You will examine how the study of genetics alters the way doctors and scientists treat disease, as well as the way humans reproduce. You will learn about gene therapy, a potentially life-saving treatment for many debilitating genetic disorders. Vectors, DNA delivery systems, can be used to replace faulty genes with functional copies.

THESE ARE THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE

• Genes are made of DNA.
• Successful gene delivery requires an efficient way to get the DNA into cells and to make it work.
• Scientists refer to these DNA delivery "vehicles" as vectors.