Insulin is created using genetic engineering techniques.
The Process of Insulin Production
The process of producing insulin through genetic engineering involves several key steps:
- Gene Isolation: The human insulin gene is identified and isolated.
- Plasmid Preparation: A plasmid (a circular DNA molecule capable of replicating independently in bacteria) is prepared.
- Gene Insertion: The isolated human insulin gene is inserted into the plasmid.
- Bacterial Transformation: The modified plasmid is introduced into bacteria.
- Insulin Production: The bacteria, now containing the human insulin gene, are cultured and produce insulin.
- Insulin Isolation: Insulin is isolated and purified from the bacterial culture.
Detailed Explanation
Here is a more detailed look into how each step contributes to the overall process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Gene Isolation | Scientists extract the insulin gene from human cells. This gene contains the instructions for making insulin. |
| 2. Plasmid Preparation | A bacterial plasmid is used as a vector (a vehicle) to carry the human insulin gene into bacteria. The plasmid is modified by cutting it open using special enzymes. |
| 3. Gene Insertion | The isolated human insulin gene is inserted into the open plasmid. This combination of the plasmid and the human gene creates what is known as recombinant DNA. |
| 4. Bacterial Transformation | The recombinant plasmid is transferred into bacterial cells (often E. coli). This step allows bacteria to become "factories" to produce insulin. |
| 5. Insulin Production | The bacteria containing the plasmid multiply and begin producing human insulin, as instructed by the inserted gene. |
| 6. Insulin Isolation | Once enough insulin is produced, it is isolated from the bacteria and purified. The purified insulin is then ready for use in patients with diabetes. |
This process has revolutionized the availability of insulin for people with diabetes, replacing the previous method of extracting it from animal pancreases.
