Animals that have had their DNA manipulated to possess and express an extra (foreign) gene are called transgenic animals. Transgenic rats, rabbits, pigs and cows have been produced.
Uses of transgenic animals for humans are: (i) To study gene regulation, their effect on the normal functions of the body and its development, (ii) Study of genes, which are responsible for diseases in human and their treatment, e.g. cancer, (iii) Useful biological products can be produced by introducing the portion of DNA, which codes for a particular product into transgenic animals. (iv) Transgenic mice are developed to test the safety of vaccines before being used in humans.
What are transgenic animals? Explain any four ways in which such animals can be beneficial for humans.
Answers
Pradeep mukhande
Animals that have had their DNA manipulated to possess and express an extra (foreign) gene are called transgenic animals. Transgenic rats, rabbits, pigs and cows have been produced.
Uses of transgenic animals for humans are:
(i) To study gene regulation, their effect on the normal functions of the body and its development,
(ii) Study of genes, which are responsible for diseases in human and their treatment, e.g. cancer,
(iii) Useful biological products can be produced by introducing the portion of DNA, which codes for a particular product into transgenic animals.
(iv) Transgenic mice are developed to test the safety of vaccines before being used in humans.