What is the main purpose of gene therapy?

The main purpose of gene therapy is to correct genetic mutations, making this answer accurate. Gene therapy aims to treat or prevent disease by directly altering the genetic material within a patient's cells. This can involve repairing, replacing, or enhancing defective genes that are responsible for disease development. The approach can lead to significant benefits, particularly for genetic disorders where specific mutations cause malfunctioning proteins or pathways in the body.

By introducing corrected genes or utilizing techniques to edit the genome, gene therapy directly addresses the root cause of the condition at a molecular level. This is particularly beneficial for inherited disorders, certain types of cancers, and some viral infections, where correcting the underlying genetic issue can lead to therapeutic improvements.

In contrast, the other options serve different biological or medical purposes. Vaccines are designed to elicit an immune response to prevent infections rather than altering genes. Cloning involves creating genetically identical copies of organisms, which differs from the therapeutic aim of gene therapy. Enhancing physical traits might suggest a focus on cosmetic or non-medical alterations, which is not the core intention of gene therapy as it focuses on medical treatment and correction.