In what ways are animals genetically modified to enable them to produce useful substances in their milk?

Answer 1

Animals can be genetically modified by Recombinant DNA technology to enable them to produce useful products.

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is an artificial DNA sequence resulting from the combining of two other DNA sequences in a plasmid. A recombinant protein is a protein produced by an organism after the relevant DNA is inserted into its genome (that is, by a genetically modified organism). This recombines the DNA of two different organisms.
Recombinant DNA is used for genetic transformation to produce genetically modified organisms. Some examples of recombinant DNA products are peptide hormone medications including insulin, growth hormone, and oxytocin. Vaccines can also be produced using recombinant processes.

Transgenic animals

A transgenic animal is one that carries a foreign gene that has been deliberately inserted into its genome. The foreign gene is constructed using recombinant DNA methodology. In addition to a structural gene, the DNA usually includes other sequences to enable it

· to be incorporated into the DNA of the host and

· to be expressed correctly by the cells of the host.

· Transgenic cows and goats have been produced that express foreign proteins in their milk.

· Transgenic chickens are now able to synthesize human proteins in the "white" of their eggs.



Transgenic animals some day will provide a valuable source of proteins for human therapy. In the future the cure for cancer may be as easy as drinking a glass of milk from a Transgenic Animal such as these cows.

Transgenic animal technology promises to improve our understanding of the complex functions of all human genes. The use of transgenic animals in pharmacology and biotechnology will lead to some very great discoveries and improvements in both medicine, and agriculture.