Question

Transgenic animals are the animals in which a foreign gene is expressed. Such animals can be used to study the fundamental biological process, phenomenon as well as for producing products useful for mankind. Give one example for each type.

Answer 1

Transgenic animals :

Transgenic animals are animals that have one or more foreign genes from another species introduced by artificial means.

They are used to study the effect of genes, gene regulations and normal functioning of the body and development.

Study the fundamental biological process:

Transgenic animals can be used to understand the effects of insulin-like growth factors in humans. The genes that alter the formation of this factor are introduced into the body of transgenic animals and the effects were studied.

Study of diseases :

Many transgenic animals are introduced with genes for certain diseases. Then progression and possible cure for such disease can be studied using these animals.Transgenic models exist for many diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s etc.

Biological products :

Transgenic animals can be used to make biological products by introducing the genes into their body.

For example, A transgenic cow Rosie could produce protein enriched milk, containing α lactalbumin in a greater quantity.