Question

Given are the names of some transgenic animals. Identify the name of transgenic sheep.
a. Rosie
b. Doggie
c. Tracy
d. ANDI

Answer 1

Organisms that have altered genomes are known as transgenic. The animals are used to produce more protein in milk and meat, disease resistance, good quality of wool and improvement in genetic traits.

Complete answer:
A transgenic animal is one whose genome has been altered by the transfer of a gene or genes from another species or breed. A transgenic animal is one that carries a foreign gene that has been inserted into its genome. Most transgenic organisms are generated in the laboratory for research purposes. This results in the recipient animal giving birth to genetically modified offspring. The unexpected side effects including lameness, susceptibility to stress, and reduced fertility.

Tracy was a transgenically modified sheep created by scientists at Scotland’s Roslin Institute to produce the human protein alpha 1 –antitrypsin, a substance regarded in the 1990s as a potential pharmaceutical for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and emphysema. Notably, she is the first transgenic farm mammal ever created. Alpha 1 –antitrypsin, composed of 50% of the total protein in Tracy’s milk.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
Rat is the most common transgenic animal used in research. Transgenic mice are also used to study different cancer. Transgenic pigs are being investigated as a source of organs for transplants, which if proven clinically safe could overcome some of the severe donor organ shortages. Other transgenic species, such as pig, sheep and rats are also used, but their use in pharmaceutical research has so far been limited due to technical constraints.

Note: Transgenic means that one or more DNA sequences from another species have been introduced by artificial means. Rosie is the first transgenic cow that produces human alpha –lactalbumin –enriched milk. Doggie is a transgenic dog. ANDI is the first genetically modified rhesus monkey.