Woolly Mice

10.03.2025

Woolly Mice

Why in the news?   

            Scientists have successfully edited mouse DNA with genes from the woolly mammoth, creating the world’s first furry “woolly mice.” This breakthrough provides insights into how ancient species adapted to extreme cold.

About Woolly Mice:

• The woolly mice have been genetically engineered by modifying seven genes that code for traits like hair length, thickness, and colour. These modifications include genes such as FGF5 for longer hair and MC1R for a golden coat.
• Purpose: The creation of woolly mice serves as a proof-of-concept for the feasibility of gene editing in de-extinction efforts. It demonstrates the ability to recreate complex genetic combinations that took nature millions of years to develop

How did the scientists create woolly mice?

• Identifying Mammoth Genes: Scientists first compared mammoth DNA with their closest living relative, the Asian elephant, to identify genetic differences related to hair length, thickness, texture, colour, and body fat.
• Selecting Relevant Traits: They selected 10 mammoth gene variants linked to these traits and matched them with similar known genetic variants in laboratory mice for targeted gene editing.
• Gene Editing in Mice: Using CRISPR technology, scientists made eight precise edits to modify seven genes in the mice, incorporating mammoth-like traits responsible for a woolly coat and cold adaptation.
• Result: The genetically modified mice were born with thicker, longer fur, confirming that the selected mammoth genes influenced hair growth and cold resistance, as predicted by computational analysis.

                                                         Source: Indian Express

Consider the following statements with reference to the creation of woolly mice:

Statement-I:Scientists used CRISPR technology to modify some genes in laboratory mice.

Statement-II: The project involved creating genetic modifications that would increase the body fat levels in mice to match those found in mammoths.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer  C