Question

• Why are transgenic animals so called?
• With the help of an example each, explain the role of transgenic animals in the following:
  • [(i)] Vaccine safety
  • [(ii)] Biological products

Hint:

Transgenic animals help in testing vaccine safety and producing human therapeutic proteins, making biotechnology more impactful.

Answer 1

1. Transgenic animals are those animals whose DNA has been altered by introducing a foreign gene from another organism. They carry and express an extra (trans) gene.

1. Vaccine Safety: Transgenic mice are used to test the safety of vaccines before they are used on humans. Example: Polio vaccine trials.
2. Biological Products: Transgenic animals are engineered to produce useful biological substances like proteins. Example: Transgenic sheep producing human alpha-1-antitrypsin to treat emphysema.