1. What are Transgentic Animals? Classroom Application
Jason Cohen
What are Transgentic Animals?
Advances
Opinion
Classroom Application
There are various definitions for the term transgenic animal.
The Federation of European Laboratory Animal Associations defines the term as, “An animal in which there has been a deliberate modification of its genome, the genetic makeup of an organism responsible for inherited characteristics” (Margawati, 2003).
A transgenic animal is one whose genome has been altered by the transfer of a gene or genes from another species or breed. (Whatisbiotechnology.org)
In other words, it is a deliberate/artificial modification of the genome of an organism
Besides animals, plants can also be modified.
The term GMO is also used to describe any living organism that is “genetically engineered”.
Background
1974 First publication on inserting foreign DNA into mice
1980 First transgenic mice made with recombinant DNA announced. Technique published using fine glass micropipettes to inject DNA directly into the nuclei of cultured mammalian cells.
1981 First report of successful nuclear integration and germ-line transmission of foreign DNA into laboratory mice
1996 First cloning of a mammal (Dolly the Sheep)
2006 Drug created with transgenic mice approved by FDA for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
I support the modification of the genome of certain organism, with proper regulations
This process should take place as humanely as possible, and be regulated
More research should be done to have a higher success of live birth rate
Improving livestock to create animals that are leaner and healthier for human consumption are beneficial, but disease resistance should not be tampered with
Breeding chickens without feathers can bring costs down, keep them cool and comfortable, and allow them to be raised in warmer countries. I am all in support if these methods can help solve hunger problems
Debate on their personal stance on the ethical question behind transgenesis.
Create a poster using visual images to sway public opinion on your stance.
Create a transgenic animal and present to class how this particular animal is better than one that exists.
If the cure for cancer needs to be tested on mice, would you support it?How about monkeys? Why? Did your answer change? Why?
Transgenesis can be performed by three methods
DNA Microinjection
Retrovirus- mediated Gene Transfer
Embryonic Stem Cell-mediated Gene Transfer
Transgenic animals are routinely used in the laboratory as models in biomedical research. Over 95 per cent of those used are genetically modified rodents, predominantly mice. (whatisbiotechnology.org)
Salmon now can grow to four times normal size in their first year; and rice that, thanks to bacteria and daffodil genes, is able to produce beta carotene – one of the “building blocks” of vitamin A. (Wordpress.com)
Bacteria can be genetically engineered to produce useful human proteins including human growth hormone and human insulin.(BBC)
Specific Classificatgions
Disease Models: Animals given specific disease and then treatment is tested on them.
Transpharmers: Animals modified to secrete accessible proteins in their milk
Xenoplanters: Animals modified so their organs can become implanted into humans without being rejected.
Food: Animals that grow bigger and faster for human consumption
Science Models: Animals producing either less or more of a protein so their mechanisms or development can be studied.
References
BBC (2014). Gene technology. Retrieved from
What is biotechnology? Transgenic animals. Retrieved from
Margawati, Endang T. (2003). Transgenic animals: Their benefits to human welfare. American Institute of Biological Sciences. Retrieved from
Wordpress.com. (2007). Transgenics and a world of “limitless possibilities. BioethicBytes Retrieved from