Q62 / 200 · MHT CET - Medical 2026 (24 April Shift 1) · Biology
Given below are two statements.
Statement I - In germline gene therapy, the healthy genes are introduced into germ cells like sperms, eggs and early embryo for the transmission of modified genetic information to the next generation.
Statement II - Somatic cell gene therapy is the only feasible option for the treatment of acquired disorders such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and thalassemia etc.
In the light of above statements, select the correct option given below:
Statement I - In germline gene therapy, the healthy genes are introduced into germ cells like sperms, eggs and early embryo for the transmission of modified genetic information to the next generation.
Statement II - Somatic cell gene therapy is the only feasible option for the treatment of acquired disorders such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and thalassemia etc.
In the light of above statements, select the correct option given below:
- ABoth statement I and statement II are correct.
- BBoth statement I and statement II are incorrect.
- Correct answerCStatement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
- DStatement I is incorrect but statement II is correct.
Solution
Statement I is correct. Germline gene therapy involves the introduction of healthy genes into germ cells (sperms and eggs) or early embryos. The genetic modifications made in these cells are heritable and are transmitted to the next generation.
Statement II is incorrect. Thalassemia is an inherited genetic disorder, not an acquired disorder. While somatic cell gene therapy is being explored for both acquired disorders (like cancer and rheumatoid arthritis) and genetic disorders, classifying thalassemia as an acquired disorder makes the statement factually incorrect.
Answer: Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
Statement II is incorrect. Thalassemia is an inherited genetic disorder, not an acquired disorder. While somatic cell gene therapy is being explored for both acquired disorders (like cancer and rheumatoid arthritis) and genetic disorders, classifying thalassemia as an acquired disorder makes the statement factually incorrect.
Answer: Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.