Question

Why do we need transgenic organisms?

• A. To produce more meat
• B. They serve as models for human diseases
• C. To produce medicines
• D. To test the safety of drugs

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C), (D)

The correct options are
B

They serve as models for human diseases

C

To produce medicines

D

To test the safety of drugs

Humans share many genes with mice. Observing the characteristics of knockout mice gives researchers information that can be used to better understand how a similar gene may function in humans. Mice naturally develop conditions that mimic human disease, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes and so they can be used to study disease patterns as well as their reactions to find possible treatments to the new drugs they develop. This provides powerful clues about what is happening in the human body.