GM insulin steps?
Reveal answer
Cut gene + plasmid → ligase → bacteria → fermenter → extract insulin.
Key words: fermenter
6(c) GENETIC MODIFICATION (GENETIC ENGINEERING) · RECALL
6.14 Human insulin from genetically modified bacteria
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Why can bacteria make human insulin?
Reveal answer
Genetic code is universal.
Key words: universal
Why is GM insulin better than pig insulin?
Reveal answer
Identical to human → fewer reactions + plentiful.
Key words: identical
Condition treated with insulin?
Reveal answer
Type 1 diabetes.
Key words: type 1
What is meant by the term recombinant plasmid?
Reveal answer
A plasmid containing an inserted gene.
Key words: recombinant plasmid
What is meant by the term purification?
Reveal answer
Separating the wanted product from other substances.
Key words: purification
Sources of insulin: for Structure, give the animal insulin and the gm bacterial insulin.
Reveal answer
Animal insulin: Slightly different from human. GM bacterial insulin: Identical to human insulin.
Key words: Structure
Sources of insulin: for Supply, give the animal insulin and the gm bacterial insulin.
Reveal answer
Animal insulin: Limited by animals slaughtered. GM bacterial insulin: Large amounts from fermenters.
Key words: Supply
Sources of insulin: for Ethical issues, give the animal insulin and the gm bacterial insulin.
Reveal answer
Animal insulin: Some religious or animal-welfare objections. GM bacterial insulin: Fewer, though some object to GM.
Key words: Ethical issues
True or false, and why? “The bacteria are injected into patients.”
Reveal answer
False. Insulin is extracted and purified; patients receive the hormone, not bacteria.
True or false, and why? “Bacteria make insulin naturally.”
Reveal answer
False. They make it only after receiving the human insulin gene.
True or false, and why? “Each bacterium needs a new plasmid inserted.”
Reveal answer
False. Plasmids are copied when bacteria divide.
Which vector carries the human insulin gene into bacteria?
Reveal answer
A plasmid.
Key words: plasmid
Why are GM bacteria grown in a fermenter?
Reveal answer
Optimum conditions → bacteria multiply rapidly → large amounts of insulin.
Key words: multiply
How is the insulin gene cut out of human DNA?
Reveal answer
With a restriction enzyme.
Key words: restriction enzyme