Transgenic Animals and Ethical Issues
Uses of transgenic animals, biopiracy, patents and GEAC oversight. (Biology › Biotechnology and Its Applications, NEET UG syllabus.)
What is Transgenic Animals and Ethical Issues?
Animals that have had their DNA manipulated to possess and express an extra (foreign) gene.
Key points
- Define transgenic animals and explain their methods of creation.
- List and describe the various applications of transgenic animals.
- Identify and discuss the ethical issues associated with the use of transgenic animals.
- Explain the concept of biopiracy with relevant examples.
Common exam trap
Confusing transgenic animals with cloned animals.
Definitions
- Term
Transgenic Animals
- Meaning
Animals that have had their DNA manipulated to possess and express an extra (foreign) gene.
- Term
Biopiracy
- Meaning
The use of bio-resources by multinational companies and other organizations without proper authorization from the countries and people concerned, without compensatory payment.
- Term
Patent
- Meaning
A government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention.
- Term
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
- Meaning
An organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, responsible for making decisions regarding the validity of GM research and the safety of introducing GM organisms for public services.
- Term
Transgene
- Meaning
A gene or genetic material that has been transferred naturally, or by any of a number of genetic engineering techniques, from one organism to another.
Learning objectives
Define transgenic animals and explain their methods of creation.
List and describe the various applications of transgenic animals.
Identify and discuss the ethical issues associated with the use of transgenic animals.
Explain the concept of biopiracy with relevant examples.
Describe the role and responsibilities of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in India.
Understand the debate surrounding the patenting of life forms and genetic material.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of DNA, genes, and genetic engineering principles.
Familiarity with recombinant DNA technology.
General knowledge of animal physiology.
Common mistakes
Confusing transgenic animals with cloned animals.
Not knowing the full form or specific function of GEAC.
Misunderstanding the definition and examples of biopiracy.
Overlooking the ethical dimensions and focusing solely on scientific applications.
Keywords
Transgenic
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Biopiracy
GEAC
Patents
Animal Welfare
Biotechnology
Alpha-lactalbumin
Rosie
Basmati
Ethical Issues
Practice preview
What is the primary role of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in India?…
easy
The term 'biopiracy' refers to:…
easy
Which of the following aspects is not directly under the purview of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)?…
medium