Author Question: Why do scientists want to genetically alter the bacteria found in a ruminants stomach? What will ... (Read 76 times)

storky111 · **on:** Jul 21, 2018

Why do scientists want to genetically alter the bacteria found in a ruminants
stomach?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why is cattle insulin no longer used to help diabetics?

What will be an ideal response?

johnpizzaz · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Scientists would like to genetically alter bacteria in a ruminant's stomach to make the animal capable of digesting wood fiber. This would allow cattle and other animals to be
fed on a woody fiber that is now going to waste

Answer to Question 2

Previously, insulin used to treat diabetes was harvested from the pancreas of cattle that
had been slaughtered. Because only a very small amount could be obtained from an
animal, the process was expensive. Also, cattle insulin was not exactly the same as
human insulin, and some people were allergic to it.