question_answer 60)

  Define transgenic animals. Explain in detail any four areas where they can be utilized.

Answer:

                  Animals that have had their DNA manipulated to possess and express an extra (foreign)gene are known as transgenic animals. Following are the four main areas where they can be utilized (i)To Study Normal Physiology and Development These animals can be used to study that which factor/gene products are needed at what time of development. By the expression of certain genes, they help scientists to understand the normal gene expression at various stages of growth and development. (ii) Study of Diseases Transgenic animals can be created to serve as models for various human diseases. They also help us to understand the involvement of various genes in diseases like cancer ,Parkinson' disease etc. (iii) Vaccine Safety Transgenic animals can be used to test vaccines like polio vaccine. Transgenicmice have shown promising results in this area and would replace the vaccine testing on monkeys in the years to come. (iv) Chemical Safety Testing Transgenic animals are created which are more sensitive to certain chemicals/drugs. These are used to study the toxicity or side effects of that chemical/drug. The advantage is that we get results faster.