Transgenic animals

Definition

Transgenic animals are genetically modified organisms that have had a foreign gene deliberately inserted into their genome, enabling them to express traits from other species. This genetic manipulation allows researchers to study gene function and develop new treatments for diseases, as well as produce pharmaceuticals and improve agricultural practices. These animals can serve as models for human diseases, helping in the advancement of biomedical research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transgenic animals can be created using techniques like microinjection, where DNA is directly injected into a fertilized egg.
2. One of the most well-known transgenic animals is 'GloFish,' a genetically modified zebra fish that glows due to the incorporation of a jellyfish gene.
3. Transgenic mice are commonly used in research as models for studying human diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders.
4. Regulatory frameworks exist for the approval and monitoring of transgenic animals, addressing safety and ethical concerns related to their use.
5. Transgenic animals have the potential to improve food production by enhancing growth rates, disease resistance, and nutritional value in livestock.

Review Questions

• How do transgenic animals contribute to biomedical research and what advantages do they offer over traditional research methods?
  • Transgenic animals are valuable in biomedical research because they can mimic human diseases more accurately than traditional models. By incorporating human genes associated with specific diseases, researchers can study the disease progression and test potential treatments in a living organism. This approach allows for more relevant data on how therapies might work in humans, ultimately leading to faster and more effective medical advancements.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of transgenic animals in research and agriculture.
  • The use of transgenic animals raises various ethical concerns, particularly regarding animal welfare and genetic manipulation. Critics argue that altering an animal's genetic makeup can lead to unforeseen health issues and suffering. Additionally, there are debates about the long-term ecological impacts if transgenic animals were to escape into the wild. Thus, it is essential for regulatory bodies to establish strict guidelines and oversight to ensure ethical practices while balancing scientific advancement.
• Evaluate the potential future implications of transgenic animals on global food security and medical innovation.
  • The future implications of transgenic animals are significant for both global food security and medical innovation. In agriculture, transgenic livestock can enhance food production efficiency through improved growth rates and disease resistance, potentially addressing hunger in growing populations. In medicine, transgenic animals could lead to breakthroughs in drug production and organ transplantation, such as through biopharming or xenotransplantation. However, these advancements must be approached carefully, considering ethical implications and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible use that benefits society as a whole.

Related terms

Genetic engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics, often involving the insertion of genes from other species.

Biopharming: The use of genetically modified plants or animals to produce pharmaceuticals and other valuable products.

Xenotransplantation: The process of transplanting organs or tissues from one species to another, often involving transgenic animals that are engineered to reduce rejection risks.