What are Transgenic Animals?
Transgenic animals are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) which are animals. They have in some way had their genetic material changed, for any number of reasons. In some cases transgenic animals may be designed simply to be visually interesting, to study, to yield more meat, or to perform a specific task better. Transgenic animals have had their DNA altered specifically by having the DNA of another animal inserted into their own code, in contrast to cisgenic animals, which have their DNA altered by other means. The simplest type of transgenic animals are those which have genetic material inserted into their own code for research purposes. One notable example of this is the injection of material from a certain species of jellyfish into other creatures. This material is responsible for a fluorescent protein, GFP, which then allows researchers to track proteins tagged with GFP in the animal it has been inserted into. There are valuable uses of transgenic animals in medicine, as well, w
Wikipedia says: Transgenic animals are animals produced with externally introduced genes. Transgenic animals can be used in many fields and as models to test the effect of certain genes on health. They can be used to produce “enhanced” versions of an animal. They can also be used as bioreactors: animals that produce an extra substance we want. Imagine having a transgenic cow that is modified to produce insulin in large quantities in its milk. This insulin can then be purified from the cows milk and used in replacement therapy for treating patients with diabetes mellitus. An example are transgenic flies, which are flies produced with externally introduced genes. Transgenic flies can be used in many fields and as models to test the effect of certain genes on health and development, similar to the usage of transgenic animals. As the fly genome is in general simpler than that of vertebrates, the effect of introducing an external gene is usually more pronounced than in vertebrates. Legal an
