Quote:
|
Originally Posted by hallenrm
What else [than cause disease] can a virus do?
|
To the best of my knowledge, there are currently only 2 ways to insert genetic information into an animal cell: with a fine needle (microinjection), or with a virus. At present, microinjection is a slow, one-at-a-time process, suitable only for embryonic cells. So viruses are, practically, the only available mechanism for gene therapies in prenatal, juvenile, or adult individuals, which must effect many or nearly all of the hundred trillion (10^14) cells in human body.
Nearly all “wild” viruses encountered now insert genetic material into cells for their own purpose – to make more viruses. The potential of viruses to be used to treat disease through direct manipulation of the cellular machinery – gene therapy - is huge.
----------------
Moderator: Computers and Technology; Medical Science; Science Projects and Homework; Philosophy of Science; Physics and Mathematics; Environmental Studies
