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Controversial Gene Therapy: Article Analysis

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Gene therapy is the transplantation of regular/functioning genes to replace abnormal genes. Replacing the defective genes can potentially correct genetic disorders. This procedure is fairly new and illegal in the United States; therefore, causing a controversy in the genetic department of sciences. In the article, “Controversial gene therapy might help women have healthy children” posted in The Washington Post, explains the positives that can come from this experimental solution and also the negative consequences. The focal point of the article is discussing a specific issue with the mitochondria of women’s egg cells. The mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of the cell that synthesizes all of the cell’s adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The …show more content…
The Endosymbiosis Theory is the theory that explains the mitochondria for having a double membrane and separate DNA from the rest of the cell. It is said that a cell was engulfed by another cell, creating the mitochondria within eukaryotic cells. “A double membrane surrounds both mitochondria and chloroplasts, further evidence that each was ingested by a primitive host. The two organelles also reproduce like bacteria, replicating their own DNA and directing their own division”(genetics.utah.edu ). The DNA within mitochondria assists in storing calcium, breaking down toxins in the liver, and other vital duties within cells. This is where the solution and issues arise when discussing gene therapy. The mothers’ impacted by this are lucky to have enough normal mitochondrial organelles within their cells that do not impact their daily living, but within their egg cells is where therein lies difficulties. The article compares pregnancy to a game of Russian roulette, depending on the amount of healthy mitochondria within egg cells compared to the amount of unhealthy

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