With respect to understanding diseases, discuss the importance of transgenic animal models.
Transgenic animals are important in the following fields
(i) They are being used in basic science research to elucidate, the role of genes in the development of diseases like cancer, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and alzheimer's.
(ii) They are valuable tools in the drug development process itself.
(iii) They can produce medicines or human proteins (insulin, growth hormone, etc.) in large quantities.
(iv) Transgenics can be a source of transplant organs as well.
Name the first transgenic cow. Which gene was introduced in this cow?
Rosie was the name of first transgenic cow. Gene for human alpha lactalbumin was introduced in its genes, which made the milk nutritionally more balanced than normal cow milk.
PCR is a useful tool for early diagnosis of an infectious disease. Elaborate.
PCR is a very sensitive technique which enables the amplification of desired DNA from a limited amount of DNA template.
Hence, it can detect the presence of an infectious organism in the infected patient at an early stage of infection (even before the infectious organism has multiplied to large number).
What is GEAC and what are its objectives?
GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee) is an Indian Government Organisation. Its objectives include
(i) Examine the validity of Genetic Modification (GM) of organism research.
(ii) Inspect the safety of introducing GMO for public services.
For which variety of Indian rice, the patent was filed by a USA company?
Indian Basmati rice was crossed with semi-dwarf variety and was claimed as a new variety for which the patent was field by a USA company.