Animal Biotechnology Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is animal biotechnology?
The application of genetic engineering and molecular biology techniques to modify animals for research, agriculture, and medicine.
What are transgenic animals?
Animals whose genomes have been altered by inserting foreign DNA to express desired traits or produce useful proteins.
Name three uses of animal biotechnology.
Production of therapeutic proteins (e.g. insulin, clotting factors)
Creation of disease models (e.g. CFTR mouse models for cystic fibrosis)
Improving livestock traits (e.g. disease resistance, growth rate)
How are transgenic animals used in pharmaceutical protein production?
Genes encoding therapeutic proteins are inserted into animals so the proteins are expressed in body fluids like milk (e.g. goats producing antithrombin).
Why are mammalian expression systems preferred for complex protein production?
They enable proper protein folding, glycosylation, and post-translational modifications—critical for biological activity in humans.
What’s an example of a recombinant therapeutic produced in animals?
ATryn®—recombinant human antithrombin, produced in the milk of genetically modified goats.
What is somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)?
A cloning technique where the nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred into an enucleated egg, used to create genetically identical animals (e.g. Dolly the sheep).
What is the purpose of animal cloning in biotech?
To replicate genetically modified animals or elite livestock lines for research, agriculture, or pharmaceutical use.
What are the ethical concerns surrounding animal cloning?
Welfare concerns (high failure rates, health issues), biodiversity risks, and philosophical opposition to genetic replication of sentient beings.
How is CRISPR used in animal biotechnology?
CRISPR enables precise genome editing in animals to study disease genes, enhance traits, or knock out specific genes.
What is gene knockout and why is it important?
Gene knockout involves disabling a gene to study its function or model diseases like cystic fibrosis in mice.
How are viral vectors used in animal gene editing?
Viruses like lentivirus or adenovirus deliver gene-editing tools or therapeutic genes into animal cells for stable or transient modification.
How has CFTR been used in animal biotechnology?
CRISPR enables precise genome editing in animals to study disease genes, enhance traits, or knock out specific genes.
What is gene knockout and why is it important?
Gene knockout involves disabling a gene to study its function or model diseases like cystic fibrosis in mice.
How are viral vectors used in animal gene editing?
Viruses like lentivirus or adenovirus deliver gene-editing tools or therapeutic genes into animal cells for stable or transient modification.
How has CFTR been used in animal biotechnology?
CFTR gene knockouts in mice and pigs are used to model cystic fibrosis, allowing researchers to study the disease and test therapies.
Why are large animal models (e.g. pigs) used in CF research?
They better replicate human lung anatomy and CF pathology than mice, making them more predictive for translational research.
What regulations govern the use of transgenic animals?
Agencies like the FDA, USDA, and EMA regulate the development and approval of genetically modified animals for medical or food use.
What are some concerns with using transgenic animals?
Animal welfare and suffering
Potential for environmental contamination
Public perception and ethical objections to genetic manipulation
What distinguishes ex vivo vs in vivo gene therapy in animals?
Ex vivo: Cells modified outside the body, then reintroduced (e.g. T-cells)
In vivo: Genes delivered directly into the animal’s body
