After finding a gene that causes a disease, researchers often introduce the defective allele into mice to create an animal model of the disease. Why are these models valuable? a. They allow the testing of potential drug therapies without endangering human patients. b. They allow the sequencing of the mutant allele. c. They allow the production of large quantities of the defective gene product, usually a protein. d. They allow the study of how the gene was transmitted from parents to offspring.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Animal models, such as mice, are valuable because they can mimic human genetic diseases, allowing researchers to study the disease's progression and potential treatments in a controlled environment.
2. Option a is correct because using animal models allows for the testing of drug therapies in a safe manner without risking human health. This helps in understanding the efficacy and side effects of potential treatments before they are used in human trials.
3. Option b is incorrect because sequencing of the mutant allele can be done directly from the DNA samples without the need for an animal model.
4. Option c is incorrect because the primary purpose of introducing a defective allele into mice is not to produce large quantities of the defective gene product, but to study the disease process and test therapies.
5. Option d is incorrect because while animal models can provide some information on genetic transmission, the main value lies in modeling the disease and testing interventions, not in studying gene transmission patterns.

Key Concepts

Animal Models in Research

Animal models, such as genetically modified mice, are crucial in biomedical research as they mimic human diseases. These models allow researchers to study disease mechanisms, test treatments, and observe the effects of genetic mutations in a controlled environment, providing insights that are often not possible in human subjects.

Ethical Considerations in Drug Testing

Using animal models for drug testing is ethically preferable as it minimizes risks to human patients. Researchers can evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential therapies in these models before proceeding to human trials, ensuring that only the most promising treatments are advanced.

Gene Function and Protein Production

Understanding gene function is essential for developing therapies for genetic diseases. By introducing a defective allele into an animal model, researchers can study the resulting protein's behavior and interactions, which helps in identifying potential therapeutic targets and understanding the disease's pathology.