What is gene therapy?

Gene therapy is a technique aimed at treating or preventing diseases by modifying or manipulating genes within an individual's cells. This approach works by correcting defective genes or introducing new ones to help combat disease. For instance, if a person has a genetic disorder caused by a mutation, gene therapy could potentially replace the faulty gene with a functional version. This innovative strategy operates on the premise that many conditions are directly linked to genetic anomalies, making it a revolutionary aspect of modern medicine.

The other options describe concepts that, while related to genetics, do not encompass the definition of gene therapy. Cloning involves replicating genes or organisms but is not focused on treatment. Gene editing may not always have a direct medical purpose and can be used for various applications beyond therapy. The study of genetic variations in populations refers to population genetics, which is more about understanding genetic diversity than about treating individual diseases through gene manipulation.