![Q.41 Which of the following statements about gene therapy are CORRECT? [P] Affected individuals, but not their progeny, can be cured through germline gene theraphy [Q] Affected individuals, as well as their progeny, can be cured through germline gene therapy [R] Affected individuals, but not their progeny, can be cured through somatic gene theraphy [S] Affected individuals, as well as their progeny, can be cure through somatic gene therapy (A) P and R only (B) P and S only (C) Q and R only (D) Q and S only](https://www.letstalkacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/slide_41-10.png)
Q.41 Which of the following statements about gene therapy are CORRECT?
[P] Affected individuals, but not their progeny, can be cured through germline gene theraphy
[Q] Affected individuals, as well as their progeny, can be cured through germline gene therapy
[R] Affected individuals, but not their progeny, can be cured through somatic gene theraphy
[S] Affected individuals, as well as their progeny, can be cure through somatic gene therapy
(A) P and R only
(B) P and S only
(C) Q and R only
(D) Q and S only
Gene Therapy Correct Statements MCQ: Somatic vs Germline Explained
Gene therapy corrects genetic defects by introducing functional genes, with somatic therapy targeting body cells and germline therapy targeting reproductive cells. The correct answer is (C) Q and R only, as they accurately describe the scope of cures for affected individuals and their progeny.
Statement Analysis
[P] is incorrect because germline gene therapy alters reproductive cells, preventing transmission of defects to progeny, not limiting the cure to affected individuals only.
[Q] is correct: Germline therapy modifies sperm, eggs, or embryos, curing the affected individual and all future progeny by heritable changes.
[R] is correct: Somatic therapy treats non-reproductive cells like blood or muscle, curing only the individual since changes do not pass to gametes or offspring.
[S] is incorrect because somatic modifications remain confined to the patient’s body and do not transmit to progeny through reproduction.
Option Breakdown
| Option | Statements | Correct? | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| (A) P and R only | Germline limited to individual; Somatic limited | No | P wrongly limits germline effects |
| (B) P and S only | Germline limited; Somatic affects progeny | No | Both P and S are false |
| (C) Q and R only | Germline affects both; Somatic limited | Yes | Matches definitions precisely |
| (D) Q and S only | Germline affects both; Somatic affects progeny | No | S wrongly extends somatic to progeny |
Introduction to Somatic vs Germline Gene Therapy
Somatic vs germline gene therapy represents two core approaches in modern genetics, where somatic targets body cells for individual treatment and germline modifies reproductive cells for hereditary cures. This distinction is crucial for competitive exams, clarifying which gene therapy statements hold true.
Key Differences in Gene Therapy Types
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Somatic Gene Therapy: Alters non-reproductive cells (e.g., liver, blood), curing the patient but not passing changes to children; safest and clinically approved.
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Germline Gene Therapy: Edits sperm, eggs, or embryos, curing the individual and all descendants; ethically restricted and illegal in many countries.
Why Q and R Are Correct Gene Therapy Statements
Statement Q accurately states germline gene therapy cures affected individuals as well as progeny due to heritable DNA changes. Statement R correctly limits somatic gene therapy to the individual, excluding progeny.
Exam Tips for Gene Therapy MCQs
Focus on heritability: Somatic changes die with the patient; germline propagates. Practice with past papers to master somatic vs germline gene therapy distinctions for biotech entrances.
