Genetic Engineering: Making Human Insulin
Which headline would be an example of genetic engineering?
A.) Mrs. O'Hara Gives Birth to Fourth Redhead
B.) Farmer Brown's Pigs: Best Quality Ham for the money
C.) Gene Added to Liver Improves Clotting Time
D.) Bacteria Make Human Insulin
Answer: The correct answer is option D, Bacteria Make Human Insulin
Explanation:
Through the recombinant technology of genetic engineering, DNA of one organism can be transferred into the DNA of another organism. In bacteria, genes can be modified to produce human insulin. The gene for human insulin is chemically joined to the plasmid of bacterial DNA. Whenever the bacteria replicates its DNA, it also replicates the gene for human insulin, thereby producing multiple sets of synthetic human insulin.
Genetic engineering is a powerful tool that has revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry. One of the most notable examples of genetic engineering is the production of human insulin using bacteria. This process involves manipulating the genetic material of bacteria to produce a synthetic form of human insulin.
Human insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. In the past, insulin for the treatment of diabetes was obtained from animal sources, such as pigs and cows. However, with advancements in genetic engineering, scientists were able to insert the gene for human insulin into bacterial DNA.
By doing so, the bacteria were transformed into tiny insulin factories, capable of producing large quantities of human insulin. This synthetic insulin not only provided a more sustainable source of the hormone but also reduced the risk of allergic reactions in patients.
The process of creating human insulin through genetic engineering involves several steps. First, the gene for human insulin is isolated from a human cell. Next, this gene is inserted into a bacterial plasmid, a small circular piece of DNA that can replicate independently. The recombinant DNA is then introduced into the bacterial cell, where it is incorporated into the bacterial genome.
As the bacteria multiply and divide, they produce copies of the human insulin gene along with their own DNA. This results in the continuous production of synthetic human insulin, which can be harvested and purified for medical use.
In conclusion, genetic engineering plays a crucial role in the production of human insulin. By harnessing the power of recombinant DNA technology, scientists have been able to create a sustainable and efficient method for producing this essential hormone. The use of bacteria as tiny insulin factories is a testament to the potential of genetic engineering to improve healthcare and quality of life for individuals with diabetes.