Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Biotechnology and its Applications

Question:

The first transgenic cow, Rosie, produced which of the following types of milk ?

Options:

human protein enriched milk (2.4 g/L)

human protein enriched milk (2.8 g/L)

human calcium enriched milk (2.4 g/L)

human calcium enriched milk (2.8 g/L)

Correct Answer:

human protein enriched milk (2.4 g/L)

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) -human protein enriched milk (2.4 g/L)

In 1997, scientists achieved a significant breakthrough by creating the first transgenic cow named Rosie. This cow was genetically modified to produce human protein-enriched milk, specifically containing human alpha-lactalbumin. Alpha-lactalbumin is a protein found in human breast milk that plays a crucial role in providing essential nutrients and immune factors to human infants.

The process of genetically modifying Rosie involved inserting a gene responsible for producing human alpha-lactalbumin into her DNA. As a result, Rosie's mammary glands started producing milk containing this human protein. The milk produced by Rosie had a significantly higher concentration of human alpha-lactalbumin compared to regular cow's milk(2.4 grams per litre).

The availability of transgenic milk from Rosie offered a more balanced product for human babies compared to natural cow's milk. Infants fed with Rosie's milk could benefit from a composition that closely resembles human breast milk, providing them with superior nutritional benefits.