1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
3. Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Gene therapy is the ability to improve genes through the correction of misplaced (mutated) genes or site-specific alterations with therapeutic treatment as the target. A gene abnormality that has been identified in a child or embryo can be corrected using a variety of techniques known as gene therapy. In this instance, genes are injected to treat an illness into a person’s cells and tissues.
Statement 1 is correct: Genetic modifications can be made to germ cells (sperm or eggs) of prospective parents. Techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 allow for precise editing of DNA in these cells, potentially preventing the transmission of genetic diseases to offspring.
Statement 2 is correct: Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, allow scientists to precisely modify DNA at the early embryonic stage to correct genetic defects. This approach, called germline editing, involves altering the genome of an embryo at its earliest stage of development, ensuring that all cells in the resulting organism carry the change. These genetic modifications are heritable, meaning they can be passed down to future generations. While this technique offers the potential to prevent inherited genetic disorders, it also raises serious ethical concerns, such as the possibility of creating "designer babies" and safety challenges, including the risk of unintended genetic changes (off-target effects) that could cause unforeseen health issues.
Statement 3 is correct: Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been experimentally integrated into pig embryos to create interspecies chimeras. This research aims to understand developmental biology and explore organ transplantation possibilities, such as growing human-compatible organs in animals.
Again, "CAN" and "Some" = possibility logic, not absolute. If even one example exist, the statement is likely correct. UPSC uses "can" and "some" to lower the burden of proof harder to eliminate. Hence all statements are likely correct.