Which of the following could be considered an application for gene therapy?

Gene therapy is a technique that aims to modify or manipulate genes to treat or prevent diseases. Among the various potential applications, treating cancer by targeting specific mutations stands out as a particularly relevant and established application of gene therapy.

Cancer often arises from specific genetic mutations, and by utilizing gene therapy, researchers and clinicians can address these mutations directly. For instance, some gene therapies are designed to replace or repair defective genes that contribute to tumor growth or to introduce genes that can make cancer cells more susceptible to treatment. This targeted approach not only aims to improve the efficacy of cancer treatments but also seeks to minimize damage to healthy cells, which is a significant issue in conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

The other options present different applications that, while interesting, do not align with the current, widely accepted applications of gene therapy focused on disease treatment. Enhancing intelligence and increasing lifespan involve complex traits influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, making them less suited for direct gene therapy applications. Similarly, creating more resilient crops leans more toward agricultural biotechnology rather than therapeutic interventions in animals or humans. Therefore, the focus on treating cancer by targeting specific mutations encapsulates the core essence and practical implementation of gene therapy in a medically beneficial context.