What is the difference between genetic engineering and gene therapy?

Genetic engineering involves manipulating an organism's DNA, while gene therapy aims to treat genetic disorders in humans.

Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics or traits. This can be done through various techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, which allows for precise editing of specific genes. Genetic engineering can be used in agriculture to create crops with desirable traits, or in medicine to produce drugs or vaccines.

On the other hand, gene therapy is a medical treatment that aims to treat genetic disorders in humans by altering the patient's DNA. This can be done by introducing a new gene into the patient's cells, replacing a faulty gene with a functional one, or repairing a damaged gene. Gene therapy has the potential to cure or alleviate the symptoms of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anaemia.

While genetic engineering and gene therapy both involve manipulating DNA, they differ in their applications and goals. Genetic engineering is often used to create new organisms or products, while gene therapy is focused on treating genetic disorders in humans. Both fields have the potential to revolutionize various industries and improve human health.