What is the difference between a transgenic animal and a cloned animal?

Sourav PanSeptember 20, 2024

Answered

The key differences between a transgenic animal and a cloned animal are:

1. Genetic Modification:
   • Transgenic Animal: Created by introducing a foreign gene from another species into its genome. This modification typically aims to express new traits or produce specific proteins.
   • Cloned Animal: Created through a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), where the nucleus of a somatic (body) cell is transferred into an egg cell that has had its nucleus removed. The clone is genetically identical to the donor of the somatic cell.
2. Purpose:
   • Transgenic: Often used to study gene function, create models for human diseases, or produce pharmaceuticals.
   • Cloned: Primarily used for reproduction purposes, such as producing genetically identical animals for breeding or conservation.
3. Genetic Composition:
   • Transgenic: Contains genes from different species, alongside its own genes.
   • Cloned: Contains the same genetic material as the donor organism, with no foreign genes introduced.
4. Examples:
   • Transgenic Animal: A mouse modified to produce human insulin.
   • Cloned Animal: Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell.

In summary, transgenic animals involve the introduction of foreign genes, while cloned animals are genetically identical to their donor organism.