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Wednesday, 16 March 2016

ANDi the Monkey


ANDi was the first ever genetically modified monkey. He was given the name ANDi because it's backwards for inserted DNA. Whilst he was still an unfertilised egg, he was given a simple marker gene which can be easily identified within his genetic blueprint. The idea being, that we can then have laboratory animals carrying genes associated with specific medical issues.


The Scientist's goal was to show that a foreign gene could be inserted into a primate's chromosome to produce a functional protein. They chose this gene in particular because it emits a fluorescent green glow easily seen under a microscope. They then took tissue samples from ANDi's cheek, hair and umbilical cord. These samples confirmed the presence of the gene - but they could see no green protein. This could be for a variety of reasons, some as small as the quantity of the protein could be too small. They also say that some genetically modified animals don't start producing the foreign protein until after they're a year old.


Other than that, it looks as if he's perfectly normal, happy, healthy, playing with other monkeys as he should - enjoying monkey life!

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