Transgenic animals that produce useful biological products can be created by the introduction of the portion of DNA (or genes) which codes for a particular product such as human protein (α-1-antitrypsin). This protein is used to treat:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Emphysema
Transgenic animals carry a foreign gene in their DNA. Such animals can be made to produce costly medicines in large amounts, for example in their milk.
Option (1) Pneumonia — Incorrect. Pneumonia is an infection of the alveoli of the lungs caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. It is treated with antibiotics, not with α-1-antitrypsin.
Option (2) Cystic fibrosis — Incorrect. Transgenic animals are used as models to study cystic fibrosis, and attempts are being made to treat it. But α-1-antitrypsin is not its treatment.
Option (3) Whooping cough — Incorrect. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection. It is prevented by vaccination in childhood. It is not treated with α-1-antitrypsin.
Option (4) Emphysema — Correct. Emphysema is a lung disease in which the walls of the alveoli are damaged, so the surface for gas exchange becomes smaller. The human protein α-1-antitrypsin made by transgenic animals is used to treat it.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 30-05-2025 (Slot 1) and on 20-05-2025 (Slot 2).
NCERT Extract:
Transgenic Animals – …
