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Transgenic Animals
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Transgenic Animals
What are Transgenic Animals?
A 'transgenic animal' is an animal whose DNA has been genetically modified through molecular techniques in order to allow for particular material to be added, removed, or altered at specifically selected locations in the genome.
The first test subjects of this method were GM (genetically modified) mice created in 1980 who recived genes from another donor mouse, which were genetically implanted into their own DNA which allowed the mice to configure new characteristics.
DNA Microinjection
How is it done?
One of the three principle methods of transgenic animals is DNA microinjection, which is one of the first discovered methods used to produce a transgenic animal. The simplified process of microinjection is in which a gene is microinjected into a fertilised egg cell which then transforms into an embryo. This embryo is then transferred to the uterus of a surrogate animal mother in an attempt for it to be born successfully with the desired traits.
However, the success of DNA microinjection is largely random as there is a great likeihood that the inserted gene will not suitably insert itself into the DNA of the fertilised egg.
Although, if the transfer is successful, the transgenic animal will be produced with a single copy of the new gene in each cell.
Fertilised egg
Microinject the gene
Animall
DNA microinjection is limited to approximately 10-20% success rate in offsprings.
Visual Representation
Embryo is transferred to surrogate mother animal.
Transgenic animal
Disadvantages
Advantages
The use of this method is also a controversial topic as some believe transgenesis to be unethical and unnatural.. All methods of transgenesis in animals is an expensive and high maintenance practice due to the lengthy gestation period.
A limitation to this practise is that the process is higly time consuming and requires specialized expertise and quipement and great dexterity to prevent damage to the cell. Furthermore, transgenesis has a very low success rate and is an extremely slow process becuase only one cell may be injected at a time.
Advantages
&
Disadvantages
Unlinke other methods of transgenisis, DNA mircoinjection is one of the more inexpensive practice's and one of the most reliable technique's. Transgenic animals have benefitted the food production industry as they are produced to have genetically enchanced muscle mass, growth rates, disease resistence, and nutritional value.
Advantages of microinjection include its applicablity to a large variety of species and ultimately to agriculture and medicine. Microinjection provides scientists with an enchnanced tool to further their research into the innumerable problems present in virology, immunology, and developmental biology.
Transgenic animals are systematically used in laboratories as subjects in biomedical research. Transgenic animals, (often mice) serve as key component for further discovery into human and animal diseases and how scientists can develop their understanding of gene functions in regard to fabricating vaccines, disease transmission, and reinforcing natural immunity.
Medical Applications
Additionally, transgenic animals are used to genetically improve or alter animal products such as meats, furs, and wools. This use of transgenic animals supports the critical role in meeting the ever-increasing demands of the global population. Transgenesis can minimise enivironmental impacts as it can be used to increase the meat or wool quantity and quality of each animal, for farmers this means that they can reduce their herd size without having to sacrifice their yield.
Is it ethical?
The science and technology of transgenesis are constantly evolving, and although the intent of most transgenic technology is for the benefit of mankind. with each advancement, ethical concerns continue to rise.
Transgenic technology has increased significantly in recent years, however, the use of transgenesis on animals has caused speculation surrounding the ethical issues of this practice.
Given that each category of transgenic animals has its own benefits to society and problems for the animal itself, it is extremely difficult to establish a unified judegment or policy as to what is ethical and what is not.
A cell from a six-year-old Finn Dorset sheep's mammary gland and an egg cell from a Scottish Blackface sheep were used to clone Dolly. One of the first indications that Dolly was a clone was the colour of her face, becuase if she were genetically related to her surrogate mother, she would have had a black face.
Examples
Transgenic technology played a vital role in the creation of the first cloned animal, Dolly the sheep. She was brought to life by a team of scientists led by Professor Sir Ian Wilmut at The Roslin Institute in the UK. She was a remarkable step forward for genetic engineering and altered what scientists believed was possible as this development constructed many new possibilities in biology and medicine.
Bibliography:
(all links attatched on google doc)
- https://docs.google.com/document/d/13uFimj_yMonNj4aDuEMC25We-CAvO__CKosenbAQJzY/edit