Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wolly Mammoth
Why in the News?
Recently, Colossal Biosciences has created a “Woolly Mouse” by editing seven genes in mice embryos to mimic the cold-adaptive traits of woolly mammoths.
What are Woolly Mammoths?
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About Woolly Mice
- The Woolly Mouse is a genetically modified laboratory mouse developed by Colossal Biosciences to test their de-extinction research.
- Scientists successfully edited seven genes, resulting in mice with thick, woolly fur, mimicking the coat of a woolly mammoth.
- Key Features of Woolly Mice:
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- Genetically engineered for cold-resistant traits using DNA modifications.
- Long, thick, wavy fur and curled whiskers, resembling mammoth adaptations.
- Created by combining multiple genetic variants into a single organism.
- Serves as a model organism to test gene-editing techniques before applying them to Asian elephants, the closest living relatives of woolly mammoths.
Technology Used in Woolly Mouse Development:
- The CRISPR-Cas9 system was used to precisely modify DNA.
- Scientists identified genes responsible for fur texture, length, and body fat metabolism, allowing them to engineer cold-resistant traits.
- Scientists edited seven genes simultaneously, an unprecedented feat in genetic engineering.
- Key genes modified included:
- FGF5: regulates hair growth, making it longer and thicker.
- MC1R: controls hair color, giving the mice a golden hue similar to mammoth fur.
- Hair follicle structure genes: induced woolly hair texture, wavy coats, and curled whiskers.
PYQ:[2013] Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred: 1. across different species of plants 2. from animals to plants 3. from microorganisms to higher organisms Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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