What term refers to the insertion of working copies of a gene into the cells of a person with a genetic disorder in order to correct the disorder?

• A. Immunizations
• B. Immunotherapy
• C. Gene therapy
• D. Stem cell research

Answer: (C)

Gene therapy is the process of inserting working copies of a gene into the cells of a person with a genetic disorder to correct the disorder. The goal is to replace or fix the faulty gene so the body can produce the proper protein or function again. Delivery methods often use modified viruses as carriers to bring the healthy gene into the target cells, though non-viral approaches exist. This approach targets the underlying genetic problem rather than just treating symptoms. This differs from immunizations, which prevent disease by building immunity; immunotherapy, which uses the immune system to fight diseases; and stem cell research, which studies or uses stem cells to repair or replace tissues but does not inherently involve inserting working genes into cells to fix a genetic disorder.