Briefly explain how human insulin is produced using recombinant DNA technology, mentioning the host organism and the steps involved.
Answer
The human insulin gene is inserted into a bacterial plasmid vector, which is then introduced into *E. coli*; the bacteria express the insulin gene, producing pro‑insulin that is later purified and enzymatically converted to active insulin.
Step-by-step solution
- State that the insulin gene is first isolated from human DNA or chemically synthesized.
- Explain that the gene is ligated into a suitable plasmid vector containing a promoter and selectable marker.
- Describe the transformation of the recombinant plasmid into a host such as *Escherichia coli*.
- Mention that transformed bacteria are cultured, and the insulin gene is transcribed and translated to produce pro‑insulin.
- Note that pro‑insulin is harvested, purified, and converted to active insulin by enzymatic cleavage.
- Summarize that this process yields large quantities of insulin for therapeutic use.
Common mistake: Omitting the host bacterium and the purification step
Concept tested: Recombinant insulin production
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