(a) ADA deficiency is caused by mutation in ADA gene that code for Adenosine deaminase enzyme involved in purine metabolism. it affects immune response and causes SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) (b) The ex vivo introduction of functional ADA gene in bone marrow cells of the patient, suffering with SCID, is done through an engineered retrovirus containing a functional ADA gene. Recipient cells are lymphocytes/bone marrow cells.