The document discusses gene therapy and associated bioethical issues. It provides an introduction to gene therapy, describing it as a process that alters cell properties for therapeutic use by manipulating DNA expression. The document outlines two main types of gene therapy - somatic and germline - and two methods - in vivo and ex vivo. Potential advantages are described as eliminating hereditary diseases and 'silencing' genes, while disadvantages include short-lived effects, immune responses, issues with multigene disorders, and side effects. Finally, the document discusses some important ethical considerations surrounding gene therapy and genetic manipulation, such as how to distinguish appropriate uses, who decides what traits constitute disorders, access and cost issues, effects on societal acceptance of differences,