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Question #45160
The Question
Read the following statements regarding the ethical and regulatory frameworks of gene therapy and genetic engineering. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
Somatic cell gene therapy, such as the one used for ADA deficiency, avoids the ethical dilemma of creating proprietary human lineages because the introduced gene is not heritable.
- B.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex regulatory body in India responsible for granting patents for novel human germline modifications.
- C.
Granting patents for CRISPR-modified human embryos could theoretically bypass bioethics, creating a scenario analogous to biopiracy of native genetic resources.
- D.
Unlike somatic modifications, germline gene therapy introduces permanent genomic changes that alter the evolutionary trajectory of the modified lineage.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
GEAC Oversight|Biopiracy|Germline Alteration
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Conflating bio-safety regulation with intellectual property law.
Students often assume GEAC handles all biotech-related legalities.
However, GEAC only monitors GM research validity and environmental safety (e.g., transgenic crops).
Patenting is a separate legal domain under the Indian Patents Act.
Additionally, human germline modification is globally restricted and not treated as a standard GM organism for public release.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology and Its Applications - Class 12 |
| Concept | Gene Therapy Germline vs Somatic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |