Compare & Contrast (10 pts each): CHOOSE 3  of the sets of terms below. Define and describe the similarities and differences between them.

1. Pharmacogenetics vs. Pharmacogenomics
2. Somatic vs. germline gene therapy
3. Viral vs. non-viral vectors for gene therapy
4. Advantages vs. disadvantages of gene therapy
5. Bioethics vs. morality

 

Somatic and germline gene therapy are the two approaches currently used for gene therapy where genes are modified for therapeutic purposes. Its concept is based on fixing a genetic abnormality at the source.

Somatic gene therapy targets the genes of somatic cells. These are the cells present in different tissues of the body, such as those that comprise the lung, intestines, and blood cells. Because these cells are not involved in reproduction, modifications in its genes are not inheritable, and thus would only affect the treated individual, and not be passed on to the next generation. This type of gene therapy has been around for about three decades, and has already been extensively studied and implemented. Currently, somatic gene therapy is used for those who suffer from genetic diseases such as hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and thalassemia.

On the other hand, germline gene therapy targets the cells of the embryo, sperm cells and egg cells. These are otherwise known as germ cells, and modifications of the genes on these cells would be passed on to the children and the following generations. This type of gene therapy has just been started about 5 years ago, and is still under much debate with regards to its moral implications. With all these factors taken into consideration, germline gene therapy would have a much greater impact into society, but the heritability of the genetic modifications would also pose a risk to the next generations.

Please see the attached file for the complete solution