Animal Transgenesis | Transgenic animals | Process | Examples | Bio
science
Bio science
Animal Transgenesis: Introduction and Examples
In animal transgenesis, the genetic makeup of animals is
modified by introducing a new foreign gene. This is done using
three techniques: DNA microinjection, embryonic stem cell-
mediated gene transfer, and retrovirus-mediated gene transfer.
Transgenic animals are used to study normal physiology and
development, and to obtain biological products. The latter are
modified products obtained through animal transgenesis.
Example 1: Alpha One Antitrypsin Gene
The alpha one antitrypsin gene is responsible for curing the
emphysema disease in humans. To produce a modified biological
product, the gene is introduced into a sheep's egg cell using
microinjection. The egg cell is then implanted into a sheep, which
will produce milk containing proteins related to the alpha one
antitrypsin gene. The milk can then be consumed by people with
emphysema to help cure the disease.
Example 2: Alpha Lactalbumin Gene
The alpha lactalbumin gene is introduced into a cow's egg cell
using microinjection. The egg cell is then implanted into a cow,
which will produce milk containing the modified protein. Feeding
babies who cannot consume milk from their mothers can
consume this milk to boost their immune system.
Animal transgenesis can also be used to test vaccines for human
safety using mice and rabbits before they are approved for
humans.
science
Bio science
Animal Transgenesis: Introduction and Examples
In animal transgenesis, the genetic makeup of animals is
modified by introducing a new foreign gene. This is done using
three techniques: DNA microinjection, embryonic stem cell-
mediated gene transfer, and retrovirus-mediated gene transfer.
Transgenic animals are used to study normal physiology and
development, and to obtain biological products. The latter are
modified products obtained through animal transgenesis.
Example 1: Alpha One Antitrypsin Gene
The alpha one antitrypsin gene is responsible for curing the
emphysema disease in humans. To produce a modified biological
product, the gene is introduced into a sheep's egg cell using
microinjection. The egg cell is then implanted into a sheep, which
will produce milk containing proteins related to the alpha one
antitrypsin gene. The milk can then be consumed by people with
emphysema to help cure the disease.
Example 2: Alpha Lactalbumin Gene
The alpha lactalbumin gene is introduced into a cow's egg cell
using microinjection. The egg cell is then implanted into a cow,
which will produce milk containing the modified protein. Feeding
babies who cannot consume milk from their mothers can
consume this milk to boost their immune system.
Animal transgenesis can also be used to test vaccines for human
safety using mice and rabbits before they are approved for
humans.
