What is the main purpose of genetic alterations in animals, such as mice and rats?

• A. To create models that mimic human diseases
• B. To reduce the number of animals used in research
• C. To cure diseases in animals only
• D. To study animal behavior and ecology

Answer: (A)

The primary purpose of making genetic alterations in animals like mice and rats is to create models that mimic human diseases. This lets researchers study how a disease starts and progresses, as well as how it responds to potential treatments, all in a controlled living system with known genetics. By inserting human disease mutations or turning specific genes on or off, scientists can observe the resulting physiological changes and test therapies before moving to human trials, helping translate findings into human medicine. While these models can contribute to ethical goals like reducing or refining animal use, or to understanding animal biology, the central aim is to understand disease mechanisms and evaluate treatments, not to cure the animals themselves or study behavior and ecology.