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- This can be cured by bone marrow transplantation or by Biological products: Some medicines contain biological
enzyme replacement therapy (injection of functional products, but they are often expensive. Transgenic
ADA). But these approaches are not completely curative. animals are used to produce useful biological products by
- In gene therapy, lymphocytes from the patients blood introducing genes which codes for a particular product.
are grown in a culture. Then, a functional ADA cDNA E.g. human protein (-1-antitrypsin) used to treat
(using a retroviral vector) is introduced into these emphysema, products for treatment of phenylketonuria
lymphocytes. Then, they are returned to the patient. This (PKU) and cystic fibrosis etc.
should be periodically repeated as these cells are not In 1997, Rosie (first transgenic cow) produced human
immortal. However, if the ADA gene (from marrow protein-enriched milk (2.4 gm per litre). It contains the
cells) is introduced into cells at early embryonic stages, it human -lactalbumin and is nutritionally more balanced
could be a permanent cure. product for human babies than natural cow-milk.
Molecular Diagnosis Vaccine safety testing: Transgenic mice are used to test
- Recombinant DNA technology, PCR and Enzyme Linked the safety of the polio vaccine. If it is found to be
Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) are some techniques for reliable, they can replace the use of monkeys to test the
early diagnosis. safety of batches of the vaccine.
- Presence of a pathogen is normally suspected only when Chemical safety testing (toxicity testing): Transgenic
the pathogen has produced a symptom. By this time the animals are made that carry genes which make them
concentration of pathogen is already very high in the body. more sensitive to toxic substances than non-transgenic
However, very low concentration of a bacteria or virus can animals. They are exposed to the toxic substances and the
be detected by amplification of their nucleic acid by PCR. effects studied. It gives immediate results.
- PCR is used to detect HIV in suspected AIDS patients. It ETHICAL ISSUES
is also used to detect mutations in genes in suspected Problem of unpredictable results: Genetic modification
cancer patients. It is a powerful technique to identify may cause unpredictable results when such organisms are
many other genetic disorders. introduced into the ecosystem.
- A single stranded DNA or RNA, tagged with a Therefore, Indian Government has set up organizations
radioactive molecule (probe) is allowed to hybridise to its like GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee),
complementary DNA in a clone of cells followed by which make decisions about the validity of GM research
detection using autoradiography. The clone having the and the safety of GM-organisms for public services.
mutated gene will hence not appear on the photographic Problems of patent: Certain companies have got patents
film, because the probe will not have complimentarity for products and technologies that make use of the
with the mutated gene. genetic materials, plants etc that have been identified,
- ELISA is based on the principle of antigen-antibody developed and used by farmers and indigenous people of
interaction. Infection by pathogen can be detected by the a specific country. E.g. Basmati rice, herbal medicines
presence of antigens (proteins, glycoproteins, etc.) or by like turmeric, neem etc.
detecting the antibodies synthesized against the pathogen. Basmati rice has unique aroma & flavour. India has 27
TRANSGENIC ANIMALS varieties of Basmati. In 1997, an American company got
- These are the animals whose genome has been altered by patent rights on Basmati rice through the US Patent and
introduction of an extra (foreign) gene by manipulation. Trademark Office. This allowed the company to sell a
- E.g. Transgenic rats, rabbits, pigs, sheep, cows and fish. new variety of Basmati. This had actually been derived
- Over 95% of all existing transgenic animals are mice. from Indian farmers varieties. Indian Basmati was
crossed with semi-dwarf varieties and claimed as a
Benefits of transgenic animals novelty. Other people selling Basmati rice could be
To study normal physiology & development: restricted by the patent.
Transgenic animals are used to study how genes are Biopiracy: It is the use of bio-resources by multinational
regulated, and how they affect the normal body functions companies and other organizations without proper
and its development. authorization from the countries and people concerned.
E.g. study of complex factors such as insulin-like growth Most of the industrialized nations are poor in biodiversity
factor. Genes (from other species) that alter the formation and traditional knowledge. The developing and the
of this factor are introduced and the biological effects are underdeveloped world have rich biodiversity and
studied. This gives information about the biological role traditional knowledge related to bio-resources.
of the factor in the body. It has to develop laws to prevent unauthorized
To Study the contribution of genes in the development exploitation of bio-resources and traditional knowledge.
of a disease: Transgenic models help for investigation of Indian Parliament has cleared the second amendment of
new treatments for human diseases. E.g. transgenic models the Indian Patents Bill that takes such issues into
for many human diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, consideration, including patent terms emergency
rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimers. provisions and research and development initiative.
Prepared by:
K.C. MUHAMMED ALI
mailtokcm@gmail.com
bankofbiology.blogspot.in