A cancer patient's cells are removed and a new gene is introduced into the cells during growth in cell culture. The cells are then reintroduced into the patient and the inserted gene directs the destruction of the cancer cells. This is an example of ____.

A) gene therapy
B) cloning
C) DNA profiling
D) DNA fingerprinting
E) cell replacement therapy

This scenario describes the basic concept of gene therapy, which involves the introduction of new or modified genes into a patient's cells to treat or cure disease. Cloning involves the replication of an organism or specific genes, DNA profiling and fingerprinting involve the analysis of an individual's DNA for identification purposes, and cell replacement therapy involves the transplantation of healthy cells or tissues to replace damaged or diseased ones.