Chapter 19.7, Problem 8TPSQ

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The reason that somatic gene therapy is allowed in many countries, while germ line therapy is restricted

Introduction:

In somatic gene therapy, one can incorporate genes in the somatic cells, like bone marrow. It is replaced or fixes the gene in the body of the person. No ethical issues are related with somatic gene therapy. In germ line gene therapy, genes are incorporated into the germ cells like egg and sperm. It is not like somatic therapy. In this, the incorporated gene will pass to their offspring and that is why it has many ethical issues.

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The argument for and against germ line therapy.

Introduction:

In germ line gene therapy, genes are incorporated into the germ cells like egg and sperm. It is not like somatic therapy. In this, gene is incorporated into the germ cells which will pass to their offspring. This is the reason that germ line therapy is restricted in many countries. In somatic gene therapy, genes are incorporated into the somatic cell. Hence, it is not problematic or do not have any issue.