Genetic Modification: Production of Human Insulin

Introduction

• Genetic modification is crucial in producing human insulin.
• Essential for type 1 diabetics who cannot produce insulin.
• Previously used pig insulin, but human insulin is more effective.

The Challenge

• Need to produce enough human insulin for millions of diabetics.

Solution: Genetic Engineering with Bacteria

• Process Overview:
  • Extract human insulin gene from DNA.
  • Insert the gene into bacteria.
  • Bacteria read the gene and produce insulin protein.
  • Bacteria replicate asexually, proliferating the insulin-producing gene.

Detailed Process

1. Plasmid Removal

   • Remove plasmid from bacteria.
   • Use restriction enzymes to cut it open.

2. Insulin Gene Extraction

   • Locate and remove human insulin gene using restriction enzymes.
   • Cut insulin gene from DNA.

3. Recombination

   • Combine insulin DNA with plasmid using ligase enzymes.

4. Transformation and Incubation

   • Incubate bacteria with recombinant plasmid.
   • Bacteria uptake the plasmid and begin insulin production.

5. Replication and Production

   • Bacteria reproduce, passing on the insulin-producing gene.
   • Creates a population of bacteria serving as insulin-producing factories.

Conclusion

• Genetic modification allows mass production of human insulin.
• Utilizes bacteria’s natural reproductive abilities for efficient insulin synthesis.