1. Challenges in Biomedical Technology
Transgenic Organisms

2. Introduction
Biotechnology: scientific techniques that use living cells and molecules to make products and solve problems.
Allows for the enhancement of health, environment and food supply
Influencing natural processes has occurred for thousands of years including
Selective breeding to improve livestock
Controlled plant pollination to improve crops
Microorganisms to bake bread, brew beer and make cheese

3. Transgenic Organisms
Accomplished by transferring specific genes from one species to another
Organisms that have other species’ genes within their chromosomes
First transgenic organism was bacteria
Still used to produce insulin, human growth factor, interferons and other hormones

4. Why are transgenic organisms important?
Models of human disease
A way to improve the quality and health of livestock
Another method to produce pharmaceuticals
A source of organs for humans
A model for gene therapy

5. Benefits of Transgenic Animals
Animal models
Mice are the most commonly used animal
They reproduce quickly
Small and easily housed
Genetic makeup is better understood than other mammals
Their lifespan is 2-3 years
Are used to study cancer, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer's and immune deficiencies

6. Pharmaceutical production
Transgenic bacteria is used to produce insulin
Transgenic animals can be used to produce expensive medications at lower costs
This procedure is called “pharming”
Introducing the gene into large farm animals has many advantages

7. Organ donors
This process uses organs from other species called a “xenograft”
Rejection is a issue
The key is to find immunosuppressant drugs that will make the transplant successful
Some success has been made with pig heart valves

8. Livestock improvement
Produces larger, leaner livestock
Animals are more resistant to disease
Many companies have tried to produce these genetically modified animals but there is concern over the safety of meat and dairy products from these animals
Also consumers are opposed to genetically engineered produce

9. How are transgenic animals produced?
Must construct the transgene, which is the DNA that will be transferred
For a transgene to be incorporated into all the hosts cells it must be introduced as a single cell embryo
Scientists inject the each embryo with the copies of the transgene
Embryo is transferred to a surrogate mother

10. Government Role Considerable controversy surrounding animals rights
Biotech labs must file a patent applications with the US Patent Office

11. Ethical Considerations
Possibility that animals that are genetically altered could threaten the environment, our health and food supply
Could lead to animal suffering
Could use techniques on humans