Final answer:
Genetic engineering enables the production of human insulin in bacteria, making it readily available and affordable, avoiding the allergic reactions caused by animal-derived insulin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technology that makes it possible for a diabetic patient to purchase human insulin from a pharmacist is genetic engineering. This technique involves transferring the human insulin gene into E. coli bacteria, which then produce human insulin. This innovative approach is used because it generates insulin that is chemically identical to the naturally produced hormone in humans. The mass production of insulin through this process has made the medication much more affordable and available. Prior to this, diabetes was treated with insulin derived from animal pancreases, such as pigs, which often led to allergic reactions due to slight differences between animal and human insulin proteins.
The technology that makes it possible for a diabetic patient to purchase human insulin from a pharmacist is genetic engineering. Human insulin is produced in bacteria through a process called recombinant DNA technology. This technology involves inserting the human gene for insulin into bacteria, which then use that gene to produce insulin that is chemically identical to naturally produced insulin. This is a benefit over how things used to be because it allows for the mass production of insulin in a more affordable and consistent manner.