Cambridge O Level Biology · Syllabus 5090 · Biotechnology and Genetic Modification
Human insulin production
What is Human insulin production?
The manufacture of human insulin using genetically modified bacteria. The human gene that controls insulin production is identified and cut out of human DNA, a bacterial plasmid is cut open and the gene is joined into it to form a recombinant plasmid, and that plasmid is introduced into bacteria. The modified bacteria are then cultured in a fermenter under controlled conditions; because the genetic code is shared between organisms, they read the human gene and produce human insulin. The insulin is separated from the culture and purified before being prepared for medical use. The bacteria do not learn to make insulin - their DNA has been changed - and live modified bacteria are never administered to patients.
This definition is part of the Biotechnology and Genetic Modification chapter in Cambridge O Level Biology.