Context:
In a recent landmark study, scientists reported the successful generation of a live chimera in non-human primates.
About Chimeras:
- Chimerism – It is defined as a phenomenon of occurrence of more than one type of different and distinguished genotype in an organism.
- Chimera – It is defined as an organism composed of cells with different genotypes altogether.
An organism’s genotype encompasses its entire collection of genetic material. Also, the term genotype can be employed to describe the specific alleles or variations that an individual possesses at a given gene or genetic locus.
Key findings of the study:
- Cynomolgus monkey (crab-eating or long-tailed macaque) stem cells merge with genetically distinct embryo.
- Infused with green fluorescent protein for tissue differentiation.
- These GFP-marked embryonic stem cells were then injected into recipient embryos.
- Chimeric monkey exhibits dual-genotype cells in diverse tissues.
- Successful chimaera creation in non-human primates, close to humans.
- 1st time scientists have succeeded in producing a live infant chimeric monkey.
- Applications –
- Genetic and developmental biological studies.
- Fulfilling Growing demands of organs for transplantation e.g. use of animal heart valves.
About Embryonic Stem Cells:
- Embryonic stem cells (can change into any cell) are a type of Stem cell.
- A stem cell is a cell with the unique ability to develop into specialised cell types in the body.
- Other major stem cell includes –
- Tissue-specific (multipotent or unipotent): Can only change into some cells.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS): Lab-made stem cells, can change in any cell.
Must read – Stem Cells and Stem Cell Therapy
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) Production of biolarvicides
(b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(c) Reproductive cloning of animals
(d) Production of organisms free of diseases
Answer: (c)
