Question

The transgenic animals have been created to model human diseases. One such example is

• A. Humanized (humanoid) mice for AIDS research having human CD-4 gene
• B. Knock out mouse
• C. Animal models for immune function to cure diabetes or auto immune diseases
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

A transgenic mouse can be defined as a mouse whose chromosomes have been altered so that its genes contain foreign DNA. These genes are found in the nucleus of every cell of the body, so all of the mouse's cells contain the new DNA. The foreign DNA can come from any source and may be human, from another animal or from another mouse. The change in DNA usually means the cells gain a function, such as producing a new protein. For example, some transgenic mice produce contain proteins recognised by human immune cells, and these can be used to model particular aspects of disease. The mouse makes an excellent model for human disease because the organisation of their DNA and way their genes are expressed is very similar to humans. Their reproductive and nervous systems are like those of humans, and they suffer from many of the same diseases such as cancer, diabetes and even anxiety. Manipulating their genes can lead them to develop other diseases that do not naturally affect them and as a result, research on mice has helped understanding of both human physiology and the causes of disease.

So, the correct answer is 'All of the above'