Final answer:
Bacteria can be genetically engineered to produce human insulin through transformation and recombinant DNA technology. The human insulin gene is introduced into bacteria like E. coli, which then produces insulin identical to natural human insulin, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genetic Engineering of Bacteria to Produce Human Insulin
The process by which bacteria are used in genetic engineering to produce human proteins, such as insulin, involves several steps. The human gene for insulin is introduced into the bacteria through a process known as transformation. This allows the bacteria to take in DNA from their environment, which can include the human insulin gene.
Once inside, the bacterial machinery uses the gene to produce the insulin protein. Subsequently, the insulin can be purified from the bacterial cultures and used to treat patients with diabetes.
This method of insulin production using recombinant DNA technology has made the medication much more affordable and accessible.
Insulin was initially derived from animal sources, such as pigs and cattle; however, minor differences between animal insulin and human insulin sometimes led to allergic reactions in patients.
Through genetic engineering, scientists insert the human insulin gene into a bacterium like E. coli, which then becomes a factory for producing human insulin. The human insulin produced in this way is identical to naturally occurring insulin, greatly reducing the risk of adverse immune responses.
Recombinant DNA technology enables the production of not only insulin but also other important proteins such as hormones, interferons, and vitamins. Moreover, it has applications in developing recombinant vaccines and improved antibiotics.
Through the large-scale production of these proteins, genetic engineering has significantly impacted medicine by providing treatments for various conditions while reducing costs and potential side effects associated with non-human proteins.