2017 · Paper V · 10 marksFrequently asked

Give an account on chemicals and drugs produced from animals.

In short

Animals yield hormones such as insulin from pig and cow pancreas, enzymes like rennet for cheese, the anticoagulant heparin from pig intestine, antimicrobial peptides and lysozyme, and antitoxins and antivenoms raised in horses. These remain indispensable for human and veterinary health, though production raises animal welfare and biodiversity concerns.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Animal-derived chemicals and drugs have long contributed to medicine and industry, with growing importance in India’s pharmaceutical and animal husbandry sectors, notably in Andhra Pradesh1.
Key Chemicals and Drugs Produced from Animals
•

Hormones and enzymes

Insulin from pig and cow pancreas is essential for diabetes treatment; rennet from calf stomach supports cheese production in Andhra Pradesh’s dairy industry.

•

Other drugs and antimicrobials

Heparin from pig intestine prevents blood clotting and snake venom yields antivenom; animal-derived peptides provide antimicrobial effects crucial for veterinary health in Andhra Pradesh.

Applications and Significance
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Medical and veterinary use

Animal-based drugs improve treatment of chronic diseases and livestock health, enhancing milk and meat production in Andhra Pradesh, which contributes significantly to agricultural GVA.

•

Industrial and research roles

Enzymes aid food processing; animal compounds serve as raw materials in drug development, advancing India’s pharmaceutical autonomy.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations
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Animal welfare and biodiversity

Extraction raises ethical issues; CCSEA oversees standards but enforcement is weak in rural Andhra Pradesh. Overharvesting threatens biodiversity and risks zoonotic diseases.

•

Regulation and technology

Quality control is vital to prevent counterfeit drugs; drug regulators enforce standards under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. High costs and technical barriers limit accessibility, requiring enhanced R&D.

Way Forward
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Strengthen ethical oversight and innovation

Expand CCSEA’s reach in Andhra Pradesh and boost indigenous biotechnology to reduce import dependence.

Conclusion
Animal-derived drugs are crucial for health and industry but must balance ethical concerns and sustainability with innovation.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Hand-drawn diagram: Drugs and chemicals from animals. Drugs and chemicals from animals. Diagram (tree): Drugs and chemicals from animals; Animal sources; Hormones: insulin; Enzymes: rennet; Antimicrobial peptides; Vaccines and antitoxins
Diagram: Drugs and chemicals from animals

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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2017 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.

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