Genetically Modified Animals – It’s Beneficial Brittany Sohle, Caitlyn Ferry, Ashley Varga, Katie Phelan King’s College, Wilkes-Barre PA Introduction: Genetically engineering animals utilizes recombinant DNA techniques to create animals with unique characteristics that differ from that of the non-modified animal. This technique is being employed to find cures for specific diseases, clone animals, and produce more products. The most popular animals used for genetic engineering are cats, rabbits, horses, sheep, and pigs. Our objective was to research genetically modified animals and choose a stance. We believe that genetically engineering animals is very beneficial to our society because it is allowing us to take great strides in industry and modern medicine. On the contrary, there are many people who think that genetically engineering animals is detrimental to the well being and quality of life of the animals. Nevertheless, we have considered both the pros and cons and have determined that the benefits of genetic engineering outweigh the risks/downfalls. Methods: The genetic code of a selected animal is manipulated and altered by adding, deleting, or substituting a piece of the animal’s DNA. This is achieved by splicing genes of interest from like or differing species into the selected animal. In order to genetically engineer a particular animal multiple techniques are put in place: pronuclear microinjection, embryonic stem-cell manipulation, and nuclear transfer. Pronuclear microinjection: The first step of genetic engineering where many copies of one gene are injected into one of the two pro-nuclei of a fertilized ova. Embryonic stem-cell manipulation: The DNA of germline (sex) cells is adapted so that the modified DNA is heritable. Nuclear transfer: The cells able to give rise to germline cells, along with the fertilized oocyte (egg), and early stage embryos (including embryonic stem cells) are considered the optimal targets for introducing foreign DNA. Results: Transgenic animals are capable of resisting disease and have a faster growth rate than non-genetically modified animals. Genetically modified animals are also capable of producing products that can be used for industry; this includes anything from textile goods to medical supplies. Conclusions: By genetically modifying animals we are finding new ways to treat or cure diseases, produce a larger plethora of food, and enhance the industry of our world. Some will say we do not have the right to make animals our test subjects or how do we know that genetic engineering is safe? There are strict Regulations on the treatment of animals and products on the market. The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 is enforced by the Animal Care Division of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture. The FDA and EPA require years of testing before any food, chemical, or drug is released into the public. There are animal rights groups, such as PETA. The Consumer Product Safety Commission also ensures that products on the market are safe. References: Ahmid, Farid E. “Detection of Genetically Modified Organisms in Food.” Vol. 20 Issue 5, p Sciencedirect.com. 1 May Web. 19 April “Animal and Veterinary General Q&A.” fda.gov. Food and Drug Administration. 8 November Web. 19 April “Background: Cloned and Genetically Modified Animals”geneticsandsociety.org. 14 April Web. 22 April Bruce, Dr. Donald. “GM Animals, Humans and the Future of Genetics.” Board of National Mission Report to 2001 General Assembly. Srtp.org. Web. 22 April “Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms.” Ornl.gov. Human Genome Program.17 May Web. 19 April “Laws and Regulations.” Neavs.org. New England anti-vivisection Society Web. 19 April Margawati, Endang Tri. “Transgenic Animals: Their Benefits to Human Welfare.” Actionbioscience.org. January Web. 19 April Panse, Sonal. “Genetically Engineered Animals.” Brighthub.com. 12 November Web. 19 April Perzigian, Andrew B. “Quick Summary of Genetic Engineering and Animals.” Animallow.info Web. 24 April Range. “New Genetic Modifications Result in Cows with Allergen-Free Milk.” 2 October 2012.Scitechdaily.com. Web. 24 April Strachan, Tom. "Genetic manipulation of animals." Genetic manipulation of animals. 17 Jan U.S. National Library of Medicine. 21 Apr Future Research: There are several research projects for the future still waiting to be uncovered. Xenotransplantation: the transplant of organs from a nonhuman/animal source in the human body. Pig hearts and Kidneys Problem: rejection by human immune system (Bruce). Solution: genetic modification Figure 1: By genetically engineering cows, scientists have been able to remove the allergy- inducing milk protein beta-lactoglobulin from cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting in some toddlers. Figure 2: By genetically modifying trout, scientists have been able to increase the growth rate of the fish. These two trout are both 18 months old, the larger trout has been genetically modified. Figure 3: Transgenic sheep have been created in order to produce a higher quality of wool, as well as to more efficiently convert grain into higher qualities of milk and meat. Figure 4: In 2001, two scientists in Canada spliced spider genes into the cells of lactating goats. The goats began to produce silk along with their milk from their body by the bucketful. By removing polymer strands from the milk and weaving them into thread, the scientists can create a light, tough, flexible material that can be used for military uniforms, medical micro sutures, and tennis racket strings.