- Transgenic animals are those whose genomes are altered by introducing genes from another species.
- They are produced by methods such as DNA microinjection, retrovirus-mediated transfer, and embryonic stem cell transfer.
- Transgenic animals help in studying gene function, regulation, and normal growth and development.
- They are used as disease models to understand disorders like cancer and Alzheimer’s and to develop medicines and vaccines.
- Transgenic animals produce biological products (e.g., human proteins in milk) and are used for vaccine and chemical safety testing.
Definitions [2]
Define.
Biotechnology
The technique of bringing about improvements in living organisms by genetic modifications and hybridization, for the welfare of human beings is known as ‘Biotechnology’.
Definition: Transgenic Animal
A transgenic animal is an animal whose genome has been artificially modified to contain one or more genes from another species.
Key Points
Key Points: Biotechnology
- Biotechnology is the use of biological systems, cells, and organisms to develop useful products and services for human welfare.
- The term biotechnology was coined by Karl Ereky (1919).
- Traditional biotechnology involves small-scale processes like fermentation (e.g., curd, cheese, wine), while modern biotechnology is large-scale and based on genetic engineering.
- Modern biotechnology was advanced by recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology developed by Cohen and Boyer (1973).
- It involves techniques like gene modification, PCR, and tissue culture, and integrates fields like molecular biology and genetics.
- Biotechnology has wide applications in agriculture and medicine, such as the production of antibiotics, vaccines, insulin, and the development of high-yield and disease-resistant crops.
Key Points: Transgenic Animal
