Final answer:
Knockout mice are genetically modified mice used for studying gene function and modeling human diseases. They are produced through targeted genetic mutations applied to embryonic stem cells, and their applications range from understanding genetic conditions to evaluating potential therapies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Knockout mice are genetically engineered mice in which one or more genes have been turned off through a targeted mutation. This process is used to study the role of specific genes in the development, behavior, or physiology. By observing the differences between knockout mice and normal ones, researchers can infer the function of the targeted gene.
Knockout mice are created using genetic engineering techniques. The most common method involves homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Specific genes in these cells are altered or disabled, and the modified cells are then injected into mouse embryos. The resulting mice carry the genetic modification and can pass it on to their offspring.
Knockout mice have multiple applications in biomedical research. They are used to study genetic diseases, understand gene function, and test the effects of drugs. These mice are crucial for modeling human diseases and have been influential in research on conditions such as cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and many neurological disorders.