Question of the Day – BIRSA 101 GENE THERAPY
QOTD April8,2026
Consider the following statements regarding Birsa 101 Gene Therapy:
- It is a type of somatic gene therapy aimed at correcting defective genes in patients.
- It involves permanent modification of germline cells that can be inherited by future generations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
It is a somatic gene therapy targeting specific cells of the patient to correct genetic defects, and changes are not inherited.
Statement 2 is incorrect
Germline gene therapy involves heritable changes, but Birsa 101 focuses on somatic cells, not germline modification.
Why in news–
Birsa 101 Gene Therapy has recently gained attention as a promising indigenous gene therapy approach in India aimed at treating genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia. It reflects India’s growing capability in advanced biotechnology and precision medicine, and is being seen as a major step toward affordable and accessible gene-based treatments in the country.
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.Consider the following statements regarding Gene Therapy:
- It involves insertion, deletion or alteration of genes within an individual’s cells.
- It can be used to treat both inherited and acquired diseases.
- All gene therapies are currently approved for widespread clinical use globally.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer : (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Gene therapy includes modifying genetic material to treat or prevent diseases.
Statement 2 is correct
It can target inherited disorders like sickle cell anemia as well as some cancers.
Statement 3 is incorrect
Most gene therapies are still under trials and limited approvals exist globally.
PQ2. Consider the following statements:
- Viral vectors are commonly used in gene therapy to deliver genetic material into cells.
- CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene editing tool that allows precise modification of DNA sequences.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Viruses are modified to safely carry therapeutic genes into target cells.
Statement 2 is correct
CRISPR-Cas9 enables targeted editing of genes with high precision.
PQ3. Consider the following statements regarding Sickle Cell Disease:
- It is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene.
- It is an autosomal recessive disorder.
- It can be completely cured by conventional drug therapy alone.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Sickle cell disease results from a mutation in the beta-globin gene affecting hemoglobin structure.
Statement 2 is correct
It follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.
Statement 3 is incorrect
Conventional drugs manage symptoms, but gene therapy offers potential cure.
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
With reference to genetic engineering, consider the following statements:
- It involves manipulation of DNA to alter the characteristics of an organism.
- It always results in heritable changes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Genetic engineering modifies DNA to achieve desired traits or treat diseases.
Statement 2 is incorrect
Not all genetic modifications are heritable, especially in somatic cell interventions like gene therapy.
