Transgenic Animals
- These are animals whose genome has been altered by the introduction of a foreign gene by manipulation.
- Examples include transgenic rats, rabbits, pigs, sheep, cows, and fish.
- Over 95% of transgenic animals are mice.
Benefits of Transgenic Animals
- To study regulation of genes and their action on normal physiology and development: For example, study of insulin-like growth factor. Genes (from other species) that alter the formation of this factor are introduced, and the biological effects are studied. This provides information about the biological role of the factor.
- To study the contribution of genes in the development of a disease and thereby new treatments: For example, transgenic models for human diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.
- Biological products: Some medicines contain expensive biological products. Transgenic animals can be used to produce biological products by introducing genes that code for a particular product.
They are used to treat diseases such as emphysema, phenylketonuria (PKU), and cystic fibrosis. For example, human protein (α-1-antitrypsin) is used to treat emphysema.
In 1997, Rosie (the first transgenic cow) produced human protein-enriched milk (2.4 gm per litre). It contains human α-lactalbumin, a nutritionally more balanced product for human babies than natural cow-milk.
- Vaccine safety testing: Transgenic mice are used to test the safety of the polio vaccine. If reliable, they can replace the use of monkeys to test the safety of vaccines.
- Chemical safety testing (toxicity testing): Some transgenic animals carry genes that make them more sensitive to toxic substances than non-transgenic animals. They are exposed to toxic substances, and the effects are studied, giving immediate results.
Ethical Issues
- Problem of unpredictable results: Genetic modification may cause unpredictable results.
The Indian Government has set up organizations like GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee) to make decisions about the validity of GM research and the safety of GM organisms for public services.
- Bio-piracy: This is the use of bio-resources by multinational companies and other organizations without proper authorization from the countries and people concerned. Certain companies have obtained patents for products and technologies that make use of genetic materials, plants, etc., that have been identified, developed, and used by farmers and indigenous people of a country. For example, Basmati rice, herbal medicines (turmeric, neem, etc.).
Basmati rice has a unique aroma and flavor. India has 27 varieties of Basmati. In 1997, an American company obtained patent rights on Basmati rice through the US Patent and Trademark Office. This allowed the company to sell a ‘new’ variety of Basmati, which was actually derived from Indian farmer’s varieties. Indian Basmati was crossed with semi-dwarf varieties and claimed as a novelty. Other people selling Basmati rice could be restricted by the patent.
Generally, industrialized nations are poor in biodiversity and traditional knowledge, while the developing and underdeveloped world has rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge related to bio-resources.
It is necessary to develop laws to prevent unauthorized exploitation of bio-resources and traditional knowledge.
The Indian Parliament has cleared the second amendment of the Indian Patents Bill, which considers patent terms, emergency provisions, and research and development initiatives.
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