Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct ? 1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease. 2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine. 3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence. Select the answer using the code given below :

Option (C) — 1 and 2 only

• Genetic medicines are therapeutic agents that work by correcting, compensating for, or silencing faulty genes responsible for diseases. Examples include gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and RNA interference therapies.
• Engineered viruses (viral vectors like adeno-associated viruses) and lipid nanoparticles (used in mRNA vaccines and therapies) serve as delivery vehicles or carriers for genetic medicines.
• Genetic medicines do not alter the entire DNA sequence. They target specific genes or gene segments that are responsible for a disease, making precise and targeted modifications rather than changing the whole genome.

• 1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease: Correct. This is the fundamental principle of genetic medicine, which aims to fix or compensate for defective genes causing diseases.
• 2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine: Correct. Viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus) and lipid nanoparticles are well-established delivery mechanisms for genetic medicines.
• 3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence: Incorrect. Genetic medicines target only specific faulty genes or segments, not the entire DNA sequence. Technologies like CRISPR make precise edits at targeted locations.