Gene Therapy

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Gene Therapy

• GCSE Module 14 Lesson 10b
• Gene therapy and the ethical issues it raises

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Lesson objectives

• You will understand what gene therapy hopes to
  achieve and the two main types.
• You will understand the role vectors have in
  transferring the genetic material and the
  different types used.
• You will appreciate the ethical implications of
  gene therapy and the moral dilemma raised by the
  recent case of Charlie Whitaker.

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Activities
Gene therapy is defined as the insertion of
health genes into body cells to replace disease
causing alleles. There are two types of gene
therapy. Read the information on the two types
and how they could be used to treat inherited
disorders in the future. Gene Therapy.doc Then
the article and links from the BBC on the recent
case of Charlie Whitaker. BBC NEWS Health
Designer baby transplant success
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Copy the questions below and answer 1. What
does gene therapy aim to do? 2. Explain clearly
the difference between the two types of gene
therapy? 3. What conditions must be fulfilled
for gene therapy to be successful? 4. Explain in
detail the difference between each
vector? 5. Read clearly the ethical
considerations in gene therapy section and then
discuss whether you feel, gene therapy is
playing God.
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Plenary
Take 15 minutes with a partner to discuss the
issues raised by the questions and then decide
whether you are for or against gene therapy being
used and in what circumstances it may be
acceptable if at all! Prepare some notes on
your thoughts to use later in the class
discussion. Put forward your views during the
class discussion but always remember to allow
others to speak and voice their opinions even
if you disagree.