| Date | May 2011 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 11M.3.SL.TZ1.18 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 18 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Discuss the risks of gene therapy.
Markscheme
at present, gene therapy treatment effects may be short-lived / process may need to be repeated/fails;
reintroduction of cells/introduction of viral vector to the patient risks immune response;
viral vectors may infect the patient;
insertion of DNA may lead to tumours;
Examiners report
Although this was a discuss section, few candidates could make more than one or two correct points about the risks of gene therapy.
Syllabus sections
Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Additional higher level topics) » B.4 Medicine
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