Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is a transgenic animal?

1. An animal modified with foreign DNA

2. An animal that has only adult DNA

3. An animal with a naturally occurring mutation

4. An animal that produces more offspring

The correct answer is: An animal modified with foreign DNA

A transgenic animal is defined as an animal that has been genetically modified to contain foreign DNA. This foreign DNA is typically incorporated into the animal’s genome to express new traits or characteristics that would not occur naturally. This modification can be used for a variety of purposes, including research in genetics, studying diseases, producing therapeutic proteins, and improving agricultural traits. In contrast to the other options, which all describe different aspects of animal genetics without the element of genetic modification by introducing foreign DNA, the correct description recognizes the key characteristic of transgenic animals: their alteration through the integration of DNA from other species. This makes them significant in various fields like medicine and agriculture, underlining their unique role in advancing scientific knowledge and application.