What is a xenograft: September 2010

Ans. B: Graft from 1 species to other species Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another, such as from pigs to humans. Such cells, tissues or organs are called xenografts or xenotransplants. In contrast, the term allotransplantation refers to a same-species transplant. Human xenotransplantation offers a potential treatment for end-stage organ failure, a significant health problem in pas of the industrialized world. It also raises many novel medical, legal and ethical issues. A continuing concern is that pigs have shoer lifespans than humans: their tissues age at a different rate. Disease transmission (xenozoonosis) and permanent alteration to the genetic code of animals are also causes for concern.