Consider the following statements:

1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.

2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.

3. Human /induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1, 2 and 3.

This question tests our understanding of advanced biotechnology, gene editing, and stem cell research. Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why all of them are correct:

Statement 1 is correct: Genetic changes can indeed be introduced in the germline cells (cells that produce eggs or sperms). This process, known as germline gene editing, alters the DNA of reproductive cells. Because these cells contribute to the genetic makeup of the offspring, any changes made here will be heritable and passed down to future generations.

Statement 2 is correct: A person's genome can be edited at the early embryonic stage before birth. Using modern gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9, scientists can target and modify specific DNA sequences in a zygote or early-stage embryo. This technique has the potential to prevent the transmission of severe inherited genetic diseases before the fetus develops.

Statement 3 is correct: Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be injected into the embryo of a pig. This is a crucial technique in xenotransplantation and chimeric research. By injecting human stem cells into a pig embryo (often one that has been genetically modified so it cannot grow a specific organ of its own), scientists can grow human-compatible organs inside the pig, which could eventually be used for human organ transplants.

Since all three statements represent scientifically valid and proven biotechnological capabilities, the correct combination is 1, 2 and 3.