Practicing Success
In which year was the first transgenic cow, Rosie, produced?
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1999 1997 1988 1984 |
1997 |
The correct answer is Option (2)- 1997 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. The nutritional benefits of Rosie's transgenic milk stem from the fact that it contains a protein that is naturally present in human breast milk. Human breast milk is specifically tailored to provide optimal nutrition for human babies, meeting their unique nutritional requirements during early development. Human alpha-lactalbumin is rich in essential amino acids and bioactive factors that are essential for infant growth, brain development, and overall health. It aids in the absorption of essential nutrients such as calcium, zinc, and iron, supporting bone development and immune function. 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. |