Transcript Cloning and Gene Therapy

Cloning
• Cloning is the process of producing
genetically identical individuals
• Use a single cell from an adult to grow an
entirely new individual
• The new individual will be genetically
identical to the organism from which the
cell was taken
Cloning
• Scientists thought it would be
impossible to clone a mammal
• In 1997 a sheep was successfully
cloned
• Since then cows, pigs, mice and
other mammals have been cloned
• Cloned animals may suffer from
genetic defects and health
problems
Cloning
• Cloning humans is scientifically possible
• However it raises ethical and moral issues
• As science improves, these issues will
become more pressing
• Do you think cloning and genetic
engineering technology should be applied to
humans?
Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy
• If you have a gene that does not function,
can you replace it with a functioning gene?
• Gene Therapy: the insertion of genetic
material into human cells to treat a
disorder
Two Types of Gene
Therapy
• Ex Vivo- outside the body
– Remove tissue from patient
– Genetically alter cells
– Return cells to patient
• In Vivo- inside the body
– New gene is inserted directly into the body