Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct? 1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the…

Question

Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct?

1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.

2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.

3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 2 only (Correct answer)
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer

Option C — C

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option C.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct: genetic medicines work by correcting, replacing or compensating for the faulty gene(s) responsible for a disease — the basis of gene therapy.
• Statement 2 is correct: they are delivered using carriers (vectors) — most commonly engineered viruses (e.g. adeno-associated viruses) and lipid nanoparticles (as used for mRNA vaccines).
• Statement 3 is incorrect, and is the key: genetic medicines target specific genes or sequences; they do not alter the entire DNA sequence of the organism. Rewriting the whole genome is neither the method nor the aim.
• approaches include gene replacement, gene silencing (RNA-based) and gene editing (CRISPR).
• India approved its first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy (NexCAR19) recently, signalling growth in this field.

Exam Tip

• reject any statement claiming a therapy changes 'the entire DNA' — precision, not wholesale rewriting, is the defining feature.