Which of the following is used in gene therapy?
## Core Concept
Gene therapy is a medical treatment that uses genes to prevent or treat diseases. It involves replacing a faulty gene or adding a new gene to cure a condition or help the body fight disease. The core concept here revolves around the vectors used to deliver genetic material into cells.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, , involves the use of viral vectors, which are commonly used in gene therapy. Viral vectors are modified viruses that can deliver genetic material into cells without causing disease. They are engineered to be replication-deficient and to carry the therapeutic gene into the patient's cells, where it can provide the needed function. This method is utilized because viruses naturally have the ability to enter cells, making them efficient vectors for delivering genes.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because, while liposomes are indeed used in some gene therapy approaches, they are not as commonly associated with gene therapy as viral vectors. Liposomes are artificially prepared vesicles made of lipid bilayer and are used to deliver drugs, but they are less efficient in gene transfer compared to viral vectors.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect as it does not directly relate to a commonly used method or vector in gene therapy.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect because, although gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 are revolutionary in the field of genetics and are being explored for gene therapy, the question seems to focus on a vector or method used in traditional gene therapy approaches.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that viral vectors, especially **adenoviral vectors** and **lentiviral vectors**, are frequently used in gene therapy due to their efficiency in delivering genes to both dividing and non-dividing cells. This technology holds promise for treating genetic disorders and has already been used in some clinical treatments.
## Correct Answer Line
**Correct Answer: C.**