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

Step 1 (a): Rosie is the first transgenic cow. She was genetically engineered to produce human protein-enriched milk.

• Rosie’s milk contains the human protein alpha-lactalbumin, which is nutritionally more balanced for infants.
• This is beneficial in developing infant formula for babies who cannot be breastfed.

Step 2 (b): \(\alpha\)-1-antitrypsin is a protein used in the treatment of emphysema, a genetic disorder.

• It is produced using recombinant DNA technology in genetically engineered organisms.
• It helps protect the lungs from enzymatic damage caused by neutrophil elastase.