Q1. Define the term transgenic animals. Discuss the creation of transgenic goats and chickens.
- Transgenic animals carry foreign DNA (transgene) stably integrated into their germline, making it heritable.
- Pronuclear microinjection is the primary method for creating transgenic goats.
- Transgenic goats are used as "bioreactors" for producing therapeutic proteins in their milk (pharming).
- Creating transgenic chickens is challenging due to their hard-shelled eggs and embryonic development.
Answer: Transgenic animals are organisms that have had foreign DNA, referred to as a transgene, stably incorporated into their own genome through genetic engineering techniques. This introduced genetic material is integrated into the germline, ensuring its presence in virtually all cells of the animal and its heritability across generations. The primary goal of creating transgenic animals is to introduce novel traits or produce specific products for scientific research, medical applications, or agricult...