GENETICS & HEREDITY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site gene therapy An evolving technique used to treat inheritied diseases. The medical procedure involves either replacing, manipulating, or supplementing nonfunctional genes with healthy genes. For example, to reverse disease caused by genetic damage, researchers can isolate normal DNA and package it into a vector – a molecular delivery vehicle usually made from a disabled virus. The vector is then used to infect a target cell, usually from a tissue affected by the illness, such as liver or lung cells. The vector unloads its DNA cargo, which then begins producing the missing protein and restores the cell to normal. Related category    • GENETICS AND HEREDITY Source: National Human Genome Research Institute Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP