REPEATER 2024 — BIOLOGY STD 12 Science — Question

(a) Transgenic Pigs:
(1) These animals are genetically engineered to increase growth rates and meat production, making them more efficient for the livestock industry.
(2) Additionally, they act as bioreactors, producing valuable biological substances
(3) Importantly, pigs are also seen as prime candidates for xenotransplantation, as their organs, particularly their hearts, are compatible with human anatomy.
(4) This can potentially lead to advancements in human organ transplantation, reducing the demand for human organ donors.
(b) Transgenic cattle:
1) Researchers have introduced additional copies of bovine beta and kappa casein genes into dairy cattle, resulting in an 8-20% increase in beta casein and a two-fold increase in kappa casein.
(2) This improves both the quantity and quality of milk, making it more nutritious for human consumption.
(3) Cattle are genetically modified to produce human proteins in their milk.
(4) For example, human lactoferrin, human serum albumin, and human bile salt-stimulated lipase have been expressed in cow's milk. These proteins can be used for therapeutic purposes, such as the treatment of diseases like hemophilia.
(5) A single transgenic cow could produce enough plasma thromboplastin component (factor
(IX) for the annual global supply to treat hemophilia.