Have you ever heard of Antithrombin? It's a therapeutic protein that's derived from goats and is used as an anticoagulant. It's a fascinating part of science and technology that has significant implications for health and medicine.
For those preparing for the UPSC exam , understanding topics like Antithrombin III that are frequently in the news is crucial. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the Antithrombin 3 molecule and its importance.
Antithrombin is a naturally occurring protein in our bodies that plays a vital role in preventing the formation of blood clots. A deficiency of this protein can lead to serious health problems, such as embolisms, which are blockages in the veins and arteries. To combat this deficiency, individuals may need to take injections containing Antithrombin, usually derived from donor blood.
The Antithrombin III molecule is obtained from what we call transgenic goats. These are goats that have been genetically modified to carry a copy of the human antithrombin gene in their DNA. This modification enables their mammary glands to produce milk that contains the Antithrombin protein. The protein can then be extracted from the milk and used to prepare injections for individuals with Antithrombin deficiency.
The production of Antithrombin from these transgenic goats offers a significant advantage in terms of quantity. A single goat can produce as much of this protein as 90000 units of human blood, potentially increasing the availability and reducing the cost of these life-saving injections.
The concept of 'Farmaceuticals', as the name suggests, involves the production of medicinal compounds or components on farms using biotechnologically modified plants or animals. The Antithrombin derived from transgenic goats is a prime example of this innovative approach to medicine.
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