Which one of the following biological products was produced by the transgenic cow named Rosie? |
Human insulin Human alpha-lactalbumin in milk Human growth hormone Human antibodies |
Human alpha-lactalbumin in milk |
The correct answer is Option (2) → Human alpha-lactalbumin in milk Medicines required to treat certain human diseases can contain biological products, but such products are often expensive to make. 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) used to treat emphysema. Similar attempts are being made for treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) and cystic fibrosis. In 1997, the first transgenic cow, Rosie, produced human protein-enriched milk (2.4 grams per litre). The milk contained the human alpha-lactalbumin and was nutritionally a more balanced product for human babies than natural cow-milk. |