2011 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2011. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

283
How are animals being genetically manipulated?
     Mike Dougherty, B.A., Ph.D.: I am currently the director of educational activities for the American Society of Human Genetics (www.ashg.org/education). Before joining ASHG, I taught genetics and biochemistry at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and studied the formation and transmission of prions, protein-only infectious agents that can cause disease in humans. Animals used in medical research studies are essential models for studying human disease, so they are being genetically manipulated in several ways. For example, by mutating a gene found in both humans and mice, we can learn what that gene does. This has helped us understand a tremendous amount about health and disease. Some animals have also been modified for agricultural purposes. Please keep in mind that the genetic manipulation of animals and plants began thousands of years ago. Every time a breeder specifically mates one animal with another for the purpose of highlighting a specific trait (e.g., fetching a ball), he or she is practicing genetic engineering.
Williamsburg Middle School in VA (7th grade student)

< View ALL questions and answers from 2011



(short, single keywords work best at first)