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Question #45155
The Question
While evaluating the genetic interventions used in standard ex vivo gene therapy for Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) deficiency and the biofortification of Golden Rice, a fundamental biological divergence is observed regarding the fate of the introduced transgenes. Which of the following statements correctly contrasts these two biotechnological applications?
Options
- A.
The ADA cDNA introduced via a retroviral vector is restricted to somatic lymphocytes and excluded from the gene pool, whereas the transgenes in Golden Rice are heritable and may exert pleiotropic effects on the plant's metabolic flux.
- B.
Standard ADA gene therapy provides a permanent, heritable cure by modifying bone marrow stem cells, whereas the biofortification of Golden Rice is a transient somatic modification requiring repeated Agrobacterium infection.
- C.
Both processes rely on disarmed retroviral vectors for transgene integration, but the ADA modification is strictly contained within the patient, while Golden Rice modifications can spread via pollen.
- D.
The ADA gene therapy targets the isoprenoid pathway to restore cellular immunity, whereas Golden Rice utilizes Agrobacterium vectors to introduce genes for purine metabolism.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Germline_vs_Somatic|ADA_Deficiency|Beta-carotene
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between somatic cell gene therapy (non-heritable, contained) and transgenic plant engineering (heritable, potential for systemic metabolic pleiotropy).
A common misconception is that standard gene therapy provides a heritable 'permanent cure', ignoring NCERT's specification that only embryonic bone marrow modification is permanent, while standard lymphocyte therapy is somatic and transient.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | Golden Rice Nutrition |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |