Gene Therapy - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Gene therapy is a medical technique used to treat or prevent diseases by directly altering a person's genes. It works by inserting, removing, or changing specific genes within a person's cells to fix problems that cause illnesses. For example, if someone has a genetic disorder caused by a faulty gene, scientists may use gene therapy to replace it with a healthy version. This can help the body function properly and reduce symptoms. Gene therapy is still a developing field, but it holds great promise for treating a range of diseases, including certain genetic disorders, some types of cancer, and viral infections.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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