Gene therapy was first discovered in the mid-1970s when researchers were able to isolate certain types of genes from DNA. The term gene therapy was coined in the 1980s and pushed research further. When we are born, each individual is born with a set of chromosomes that contains the gene that codes for our appearance, our personality and our long-term health. When one of these genes has defects in the DNA, it can lead to many diseases. Some may be severe and some may be moderate, including diabetes, cancer, or sickle cell anemia. Through the use and development of gene therapy we can reduce or cure these diseases before they even show the first symptoms. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay There are two main types of gene therapy treatment. However, they differ depending on the consequences of the patients. Somatic is the first cellular gene therapy. In somatic gene therapy, the properly functioning gene is replaced by the correct gene sequence. Once this is done, the body produces the correct protein and the genes that were causing the disease are finally eliminated from the body. It is very important to treat a sufficient number of cells so that at least some amount of the correct protein reaches the site of action. Somatic is given only to the patient who needs it and is not passed on to the next generation. This is because any rearrangement of genes occurs in somatic or non-reproductive cells. The second type of gene therapy usually occurs in germ or reproductive cells. Germline therapy is usually described as gene therapy in which the correct or right gene is inserted into reproductive cells. Therefore, when an individual who has been given the treatment will have the right or correct gene when he reproduces his offspring instead of the abandoned one. However, unlike the somatic one, this treatment will affect both the offspring and the parent himself. It is also possible to insert a control gene in the early stages of an embryo, so when this individual is born he will already have the correct genetic sequence in his body. This will only affect the embryo and the parent. One very important thing to remember or keep in mind is that germline therapy not only affects the individual but will also affect their potential offspring. Therefore, germline therapy is passed on to the gene pool of future generations. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The main challenge in gene therapy is how we can get the right/correct genetic material into the appropriate cells. There are three types of delivery systems indicated by the online Encyclopedia Britannica in 1998. There are chemical methods, there are physical methods, and there is a viral vector. The most used and most accurate method is the viral vector. Modern technology has developed vectors that encapsulate therapeutic genes, so they can precisely deliver the correct gene to defective or malfunctioning cells.