Final answer:
Recombinant DNA technology is used to produce human insulin by inserting the human insulin gene into E. coli bacteria, making them manufacture the protein. This biotechnological method, introduced in 1978, improved diabetes treatment by offering human insulin that is identical to natural insulin and reduces allergic reactions compared to animal insulin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The insulin produced by recombinant DNA technology is human insulin, also known as humulin. This is achieved by inducing bacteria to produce the insulin protein through the insertion of the human insulin gene into bacterial DNA. The process utilized for this biotechnological advancement involves transformation, where the human gene responsible for insulin production is inserted into E. coli bacteria — effectively turning them into insulin-producing factories. The resulting insulin is identical to that which is produced by the human pancreas, thereby greatly reducing the risk of allergic reactions that were common with animal-derived insulin, such as bovine or porcine insulin.
The production of human insulin using this method has revolutionized diabetes treatment since its introduction in 1978. It provides a more effective form of insulin that is indistinguishable from the body's naturally occurring insulin, making it more effective and less likely to cause adverse reactions. Moreover, this method of producing insulin is more cost-effective and leads to a more consistent pharmaceutical product compared to insulin derived from animals.