What is a primary use of transgenic animals in research?

Transgenic animals are specifically engineered to carry genes from other species, allowing researchers to study the effects of these genetic changes at a systemic level. One of the main advantages of using transgenic animals is their capacity to mimic human diseases more accurately than traditional models. This makes them invaluable for researching metabolic pathways and understanding the molecular basis of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.

Through the use of transgenic models, scientists can investigate how specific genes contribute to diseases and can observe the resulting physiological changes in real-time. This has significant implications for developing treatments and therapies, as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms compared to other research methods. Consequently, the primary use of transgenic animals in research is largely focused on elucidating these complex interactions within metabolic pathways and their role in various diseases, making the chosen response an essential aspect of modern biomedical research.