Antithrombin is a therapeutic protein that can be obtained from goats. It was first marketed as Atryn and is used as an anticoagulant.Â
Science and Technology topics which are in the news are important from the point of view of the UPSC exam. In this article, you can read all about the Antithrombin 3 molecule
What is Antithrombin?
It is a protein naturally present in the human body and it helps in preventing the formation of blood clots in the blood. The deficiency of this protein can lead to blockages in the veins and arteries which are also known as embolisms. If a person suffers from a deficiency of this protein they need to take injections of the same at least twice a week for the prevention of the formation of blood clots. These injections are usually prepared by taking the blood of the donors and extracting the antithrombin protein out of it.
Antithrombin III Molecule
This is obtained from transgenic goats. Transgenic animals are those which have in the DNA the genes from some other species. The transgenic goats have a copy of the human antithrombin gene. Because of this, the milk that their mammary glands produce has antithrombin protein in it in the form of the Antithrombin III molecule. This protein can then be extracted from this goat milk and it can be used for the preparation of the injection which people suffering from the deficiency of antithrombin can take.
The biggest advantage of this is quantity: A goat can produce as much of this protein as 90000 units of human blood. This will help in increasing the availability and reducing the cost of these injections.
Farmaceuticals, as their name suggests, are any compounds or components that are produced on farms by plants and animals that have certain medicinal uses. An important characteristic of these farmaceuticals is that they are usually produced from biotechnologically modified plants or animals. The antithrombin drug that we get from the goats is a very good example of these pharmaceuticals.
Antithrombin III Molecule:- Download PDF Here
| Related Links | |||
| World Sickle Cell Day | Himalayan Griffon Vulture | ||
| List of Joint Military Exercises of the Indian Army | UPSC Science & Technology Notes | ||
| The Deccan Kingdoms | Pahari Paintings | ||
Comments