Gene therapy is being explored as a means of permanently correcting a defective gene to cure a disease rather than to merely treat symptoms with drugs. Ideally, it would be best to correct these defective genes before a baby is even born. But if it's

possible to change diseased genes, what about changing genes that regulate other characteristics, such as height or eye color? Would it be desirable to change the genes of babies for more cosmetic purposes?

What will be an ideal response?


The answer to this question is largely a matter of opinion. It's clear to anyone that curing genetic disorders would be of great benefit. Changing genes for cosmetic reasons is less justifiable. Benefits and risks must be weighed.

Biology & Microbiology

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To carry out a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), you must have DNA polymerase and

A. a DNA probe. B. the nucleotides to synthesize new DNA strands. C. a DNA synthesizer machine. D. a blueprint or gene map of the sequence you wish to copy.

Biology & Microbiology

The sequence in which the first species to inhabit an area are replaced by others is ____________________. Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s)

Biology & Microbiology

In many species, there are two representatives of each chromosome. In such species, the characteristic number of chromosomes is called the ________ number. It is usually symbolized as ________

A) haploid; n B) diploid; n C) diploid; 2n D) haploid; 2n E) None of the answers listed is correct.

Biology & Microbiology

What is the purpose of glycolysis?

A) It produces oxygen. B) It breaks down glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy. C) It uses ATP to make glucose. D) It breaks down pyruvate to release energy.

Biology & Microbiology