Question

Many human disorders are caused by defects in genes; some doctors argue that we can transfer genes in order to correct this; some say that the transfer can cause uncontrolled outcomes causing more harm. What do you think and why?

Answer 1

gene therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent diseases. In the future, this technique may allow doctors to treat a disorder by inserting a gene into a patient's cell instead of using drugs or surgery. gene therapy holds promise for treating a wide range of diseases. But it has some potential risks,

A Gene cant easily is inserted directly into the cell. usually, it delivered using a carrier, called vectors. most common gene therapy vectors are viruses.

• it causes unwanted immune system reactions by introducing new viruses as intruded and attack them.it causes inflammation and even organ failure.
• Targeting the wrong cells-it may affect more than one type of cell.it's possible that the altered viruses may infect additional cells-not just targeted cells containing mutated genes.so it causing healthy cells damage and even cancer.
• viruses cause infection- once it introduced into the body, the viruses may recover their original ability to cause diseases.
• possibility of causing tumors-if the new genes can be inserted at the wrong place it may chance of insertion leads to tumor formation

that's why the doctors say gene transfer can cause uncontrolled outcomes causing more harm.