Question

Explain the beneficial role of the following, produced as a result of the processes of biotechnology, to mankind:
(a) Cow named Rosie
(b) \(\alpha\)-1-antitrypsin

Hint:

Rosie’s milk is enriched with human protein for infant nutrition. \(\alpha\)-1-antitrypsin is a biotech-derived therapeutic protein used in genetic lung disorders.

Answer 1

Phase 1 (a): Rosie, the inaugural transgenic cow, was engineered to yield milk enriched with human protein.

• Rosie’s milk features the human protein alpha-lactalbumin, offering enhanced nutritional balance for infants.
• This characteristic is advantageous for formulating infant milk for those unable to be breastfed.

Phase 2 (b): \(\alpha\)-1-antitrypsin, utilized in treating emphysema, a hereditary condition, is produced via recombinant DNA technology in genetically modified organisms.

• It aids in safeguarding the lungs against enzymatic harm from neutrophil elastase.