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Chapter 9: Problem 10

This virus family, normally associated with AIDS, may be useful for gene therapy.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Retroviruses, including HIV, are linked to AIDS and useful in gene therapy.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Virus Family

The virus family associated with AIDS is the retrovirus family. Specifically, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is a type of retrovirus, causes AIDS.
02

Explore the Use in Gene Therapy

Discover why retroviruses, like HIV, may be beneficial for gene therapy. Retroviruses are used because they can integrate their genetic material into the host cell's genome, allowing for stable, long-term expression of therapeutic genes.
03

Conclusion

Based on the information, retroviruses are linked to both AIDS and gene therapy applications due to their ability to incorporate genetic material into host cells. This characteristic is harnessed in gene therapy to deliver therapeutic genes.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Retrovirus
Retroviruses are a unique group of viruses characterized by their ability to convert their RNA genome into DNA once they enter a host cell. This process is performed by an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. The newly formed DNA integrates into the host cell's genome, creating a long-lasting effect that is transmitted when the host cell replicates.
  • Retroviruses are capable of stable gene transmission, which is why they are considered for gene therapy.
  • This viral integration can lead to the expression of certain genes over an extended period.
  • By harnessing this capability, scientists can potentially treat genetic disorders by delivering corrected genes directly into patient cells.
Retroviruses include viruses like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Though associated with diseases, their ability to insert new genes into cells makes them valuable tools in scientific research and therapeutic applications.
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a severe disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It represents the advanced stage of HIV infection, articulating a vast range of symptoms and weakens the immune system.

AIDS develops over time when HIV is left untreated. The virus severely weakens the immune response, leaving the body vulnerable to infections and diseases:
  • Patients often suffer from opportunistic infections and cancers.
  • The damage inflicted on the immune system makes recovery from these illnesses more difficult.
  • Despite its severity, significant advancements in treatment can help manage the disease.
Effective antiretroviral therapies can help control the virus, allowing individuals with HIV to lead a healthy life and preventing the progression to AIDS.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the retrovirus responsible for causing AIDS. HIV attacks the immune system, specifically targeting and destroying CD4 cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response.

Understanding HIV involves recognizing its characteristics and how it affects the body:
  • HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, notably blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
  • Upon entry into the body, HIV incorporates its genetic material into the host's, enabling it to replicate continuously.
  • This persistence leads to a decline in immune function over time.
While there is currently no cure for HIV, treatments like antiretroviral therapy can effectively control the virus, reduce transmission risks, and improve life quality for those infected.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

You are attempting to insert a gene for saltwater tolerance into a plant by using the Ti plasmid. In addition to the desired gene, you add a gene for tetracycline resistance (tet) to the plasmid. What is the purpose of the tet gene?

Suppose you want multiple copies of a gene you have synthesized. How would you obtain the necessary copies by cloning? By PCR?

List at least two examples of the use of rDNA in medicine and in agriculture.

Differentiate the following terms. Which one is "hit and miss"that is, does not add a specific gene to a cell? a. protoplast fusion b. gene gun c. microinjection d. electroporation

Describe an rDNA experiment in two or three sentences. Use the following terms: intron, exon, DNA, mRNA, CDNA, RNA polymerase, reverse transcriptase.
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