BLG 143 Study Guide - Sex Selection, Adult Stem Cell, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Document Summary
Genes (carried on our chromosomes) are specific sequences of bases that contain instructions on how to make proteins. Although genes get a lot of attention, it is the proteins which the genes produce that perform most life functions and make up majority of cell structures. When genes are altered, they cannot produce proteins that carry out their normal functions, resulting in genetic disorders. Gene therapy involves the insertion, alteration, or removal of genes within cells and biological tissues to treat any genetic disorders that have been caused by abnormalities in chromosomes. It is a technique for correcting defective genes that are responsible for disease development. Ways available to researchers for correcting faulty genes: the first form of gene therapy involves the insertion of a functional gene. A normal gene may be inserted into a nonspecific location within the genome to replace a nonfunctional gene.