Transgenic animals are those animals whose genomes are modify or altered by transferring the genes from another animals species or breeds. It is also defined as the insertion of foreign gene into an genome. The most common method for producing transgenic animals is microinjection, which involves sevRead more
Transgenic animals are those animals whose genomes are modify or altered by transferring the genes from another animals species or breeds. It is also defined as the insertion of foreign gene into an genome. The most common method for producing transgenic animals is microinjection, which involves several steps. First, the DNA containing the transgene is identified and cloned into several copies. This DNA is then inserted into a host animal, such as a pig, cow, or sheep, which is stimulated to superovulate so that eggs can be collected.
The collected eggs are fertilized in vitro, and a fine needle is used to inject the DNA solution containing the transgene into the male pronucleus of a fertilized egg before it fuses with the female pronucleus. The transgenic embryos are allowed to grow in cell culture before being implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother, where they will develop fully. The offspring are then tested to determine if they have inherited the transgene.
Microinjection has the disadvantage of a low success rate. Recently, the CRISPR-Cas9 technique has become a more widely used method for producing transgenic animals due to its higher efficiency.
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Developing artificial organs through tissue engineering presents several significant challenges. One major hurdle is replicating the complex structure and function of natural organs. Artificial organs must mimic not only the physical architecture but also the intricate cellular interactions and biocRead more
Developing artificial organs through tissue engineering presents several significant challenges. One major hurdle is replicating the complex structure and function of natural organs. Artificial organs must mimic not only the physical architecture but also the intricate cellular interactions and biochemical environments that sustain organ function. Another challenge is sourcing and integrating appropriate biomaterials that are biocompatible and capable of supporting cell growth and function. Ensuring these materials are both functional and safe over the long term is crucial. Additionally, vascularization—the development of blood vessels within the artificial organ—is a critical challenge, as it is essential for delivering nutrients and removing waste from the engineered tissue. Without effective vascular networks, the organ cannot sustain itself or function properly. Moreover, scaling up the production of artificial organs from laboratory settings to clinical use involves significant technical and regulatory hurdles. Ensuring consistency, safety, and effectiveness at a large scale remains a complex task. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration and advances in materials science, cellular biology, and bioengineering to create viable, functional artificial organs.
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