Explain the impact that genetic technologies have had on the management of both infectious and non-infectious diseases. - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 30 - 2020 - Paper 1

Genetic technologies have revolutionized the treatment of non-infectious diseases such as diabetes and cystic fibrosis. For example, Recombinant DNA technology has enabled the production of insulin for type 1 diabetes patients, allowing them to manage their condition effectively. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 has potential applications in correcting genetic mutations that cause diseases like cystic fibrosis, providing hope for gene therapy.

Infectious diseases have also benefited from genetic technologies. For instance, genetic engineering has led to the development of genetically modified crops that are resistant to specific pathogens. An example is the engineering of corn resistant to the European corn borer. These crops produce toxins that repel or kill the pests, thus reducing disease transmission and improving crop yield.