Question

The human protein named $\alpha$-1-antitrypsin, obtained from transgenic animals, is used for the treatment of ________.

• A. Alzheimer's disease
• B. Emphysema
• C. Cystic fibrosis
• D. Rheumatoid arthritis

Hint:

Logic Tip: Connect the "anti-trypsin" (an enzyme inhibitor) directly to lung protection. Emphysema is a disease where lung tissue is actively digested. Supplying the inhibitor stops the destruction!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific human disease that is treated using a protein produced by transgenic animals (biological products of biotechnology).
Step 2 : Key Formulas and Approach:
The approach involves associating the human protein $\alpha$-1-antitrypsin with its known medical function. This protein is a protease inhibitor that protects lung tissue from being broken down by enzymes.
Step 3 : Detailed Explanation:

Biological Product: Transgenic animals are often used as "bioreactors" to produce expensive or complex human proteins. $\alpha$-1-antitrypsin (AAT) is one such protein produced in the milk of transgenic sheep.

Target Disease: Emphysema is a chronic lung condition where the alveolar walls are damaged, often due to an imbalance between proteases (like elastase) and protease inhibitors. A genetic deficiency of $\alpha$-1-antitrypsin leads to unchecked destruction of alveolar tissue.

Treatment Mechanism: Supplying the transgenic $\alpha$-1-antitrypsin helps inhibit the destructive enzymes, thereby treating or slowing the progression of Emphysema.

Other Diseases: While transgenic models are used to study Alzheimer's (A) and Cystic Fibrosis (C), $\alpha$-1-antitrypsin is not the primary treatment for those conditions.

Step 4 : Final Answer:
Based on established biotechnological applications, the protein is used for the treatment of Emphysema. This corresponds to option (B).