📚 StudyHub

🔬 Biology  ·  Biotechnology: Principles and Processes  ·  NEET

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors used in gene therapy are favored because:

  • A They integrate randomly and quite frequently into the genome of the host cell over time
  • B They can infect non-dividing cells, have low immunogenicity, and do not typically integrate (episomal expression)
  • C They are notably capable of carrying unusually large transgene inserts within their viral capsid structure
  • D They actively kill the target cells that they successfully infect during the gene delivery process

Correct answer: B. They can infect non-dividing cells, have low immunogenicity, and do not typically integrate (episomal expression)

Explanation: rAAV: small, non-enveloped DNA virus. Infects dividing and non-dividing cells. Usually persists as episome (non-integrating), reducing insertional mutagenesis risk. Multiple serotypes for tissue targeting. Low pathogenicity.

Concept context

Recombinant DNA, GMOs, PCR, CRISPR, and biotechnology applications. Growing importance in NEET.

Read the full Biotechnology: Principles and Processes notes →