Transgenic Animals – Class 12 | Chapter – 12 | Biology Short Notes Series PDF

Transgenic Animals: Transgenic animals are animals that have been genetically modified by the introduction of a foreign gene into their DNA. This process can be used to study the effects of a specific gene on an animal’s biology, or to produce animals that produce valuable products, such as drugs or vaccines.

Transgenic animals are produced by inserting a new gene into the animal’s genome using various genetic engineering techniques, such as microinjection, viral vectors, or electroporation. Once the foreign gene is integrated into the animal’s DNA, it is expressed in the animal’s cells and can be passed on to its offspring through sexual reproduction.

Purposes of Transgenic Animals

  • Studying the function of genes: Transgenic animals can be used to study the function of specific genes, and to understand how changes in gene expression can affect an animal’s biology.

  • Modeling human diseases: Transgenic animals can be used to model human diseases and to test new treatments and therapies. By introducing a human gene that is associated with a particular disease into an animal, researchers can study the effects of the disease and test new treatments.
  • Producing valuable products: Transgenic animals can be used to produce valuable products, such as drugs or vaccines. For example, transgenic animals can be engineered to produce human proteins, such as insulin or growth hormone, that can be used to treat human diseases.
  • Agriculture: Transgenic animals can also be used in agriculture to improve animal productivity or to produce healthier food. For example, transgenic animals can be engineered to have improved resistance to diseases or to produce healthier or more nutritious products.

Methods of Producing Transgenic Animals

  • Microinjection: This method involves the direct injection of a foreign DNA construct into the pronucleus of a fertilized egg. The egg is then implanted into a surrogate mother, where it develops into a transgenic animal.

  • Embryonic Stem Cell Injection: This method involves the introduction of a foreign DNA construct into embryonic stem cells, which are then transplanted into a host animal. The transplanted cells can differentiate into any cell type in the body, allowing for the widespread expression of the foreign gene.
  • Viral Vectors: This method involves the use of a virus to introduce a foreign DNA construct into an animal’s cells. The virus infects the animal’s cells, and the foreign DNA is incorporated into the animal’s genome.
  • Electroporation: This method involves the use of electrical currents to introduce a foreign DNA construct into an animal’s cells. The electrical currents create temporary pores in the cell membrane, allowing the foreign DNA to enter the cell and be incorporated into the animal’s genome.
  • CRISPR/Cas9: This method involves the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to introduce specific changes into the animal’s genome. The CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used to insert, delete, or modify specific genes in the animal’s DNA.

Benefits of Transgenic Animals

  • Studying gene function: Transgenic animals can be used to study the function of specific genes and to understand how changes in gene expression can affect an animal’s biology.

  • Modeling human diseases: Transgenic animals can be used to model human diseases and to test new treatments and therapies. By introducing a human gene that is associated with a particular disease into an animal, researchers can study the effects of the disease and test new treatments.
  • Producing valuable products: Transgenic animals can be used to produce valuable products, such as drugs or vaccines. For example, transgenic animals can be engineered to produce human proteins, such as insulin or growth hormone, that can be used to treat human diseases.
  • Agriculture: Transgenic animals can be used in agriculture to improve animal productivity or to produce healthier food. For example, transgenic animals can be engineered to have improved resistance to diseases or to produce healthier or more nutritious products.
  • Better understanding of genetics: Transgenic animals can provide important information about the basic mechanisms of genetics, including gene regulation, gene expression, and genetic interactions.
  • Improved animal welfare: Transgenic animals can be used to improve animal welfare, for example, by developing animals that are resistant to certain diseases or that have a better ability to adapt to their environment.

Examples of some Transgenic Animals

  • Mice: Mice are a common model organism for the study of human biology and disease, and there are many different types of transgenic mice available. For example, there are mice that model human diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and diabetes.

  • Rats: Rats are similar to mice and are also commonly used as a model organism in biomedical research. There are transgenic rats that have been developed to model human diseases and to study the effects of drugs and therapies.
  • Rabbits: Rabbits have been used in a variety of research areas, including the production of biopharmaceuticals and the study of ocular diseases. There are transgenic rabbits that have been developed to produce human proteins in their milk, such as antithrombin III and alpha-1-antitrypsin.
  • Pigs: Pigs are an important model organism for the study of human biology and disease, and there are several transgenic pigs that have been developed for biomedical research. For example, there are transgenic pigs that produce human proteins in their milk and that model human diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
  • Fish: Fish are a popular model organism for the study of development and genetics, and there are many different types of transgenic fish available. For example, there are transgenic fish that fluoresce green when exposed to blue light, which can be used to study the regulation of gene expression.
  • Cows: Cows have been used in a variety of research areas, including the production of biopharmaceuticals and the study of genetics. There are transgenic cows that have been developed to produce human proteins in their milk, such as alpha-lactalbumin.


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By Team Learning Mantras