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3 votes
How many pancreases from beef

animals would it take to provide
the insulin required by one
human patient for one year?
A. 15
B. 19
C. 26
D. 32

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer: Without other information, the number of animals maybe between 19-73 depending on age and pancreas size. Of the options presented, the nearest answer is D.32

Explanation: Assumptions

2yo cow with pancreas 400g

insulin content ~5 IU (175ug)

Daily insulin requirement 0.5-1 IU —> 187-365 IU p.a.

beef animals required 37-73 cows

using 6 mo calves, the insulin content is ~10IU, so requiring 19-37 calves

User Joseph Caracuel
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