Problem 6 - Biology

Question

Insulin produced by molecular cloning: a. is of pig origin b. is a recombinant protein c. is made by the human pancreas d. is recombinant DNA

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Option B is correct because insulin produced by molecular cloning is a recombinant protein.

Step 1: Understand the Question

This exercise asks which statement correctly describes insulin produced by molecular cloning.

Step 2: Analyze Each Option

Consider each option one by one to determine if it accurately describes insulin produced by molecular cloning.

Step 3: Evaluate Option A

Option A states that insulin produced by molecular cloning is of pig origin. This is incorrect because molecular cloning produces human insulin, not pig insulin.

Step 4: Evaluate Option B

Option B states that insulin produced by molecular cloning is a recombinant protein. This is correct because molecular cloning involves creating human insulin using recombinant DNA technology.

Step 5: Evaluate Option C

Option C states that insulin produced by molecular cloning is made by the human pancreas. This is incorrect because the insulin is produced by bacteria or yeast cells, not by the human pancreas.

Step 6: Evaluate Option D

Option D states that insulin produced by molecular cloning is recombinant DNA. This is partially correct but misleading; it is more accurate to say it is a recombinant protein.

Step 7: Conclusion

By elimination and analysis, option B is the only correct answer.

Key Concepts

molecular cloning

Molecular cloning is a technique used to multiply specific DNA sequences. It involves inserting a DNA fragment of interest into a plasmid vector to create recombinant DNA. The plasmid is then introduced into a host cell, often a bacterium, to replicate and produce multiple copies of the inserted DNA fragment.

Key steps in molecular cloning include:

• Isolation of DNA: Extracting the DNA containing the gene of interest.
• Insertion: Cutting the DNA with restriction enzymes and inserting it into a plasmid vector.
• Transformation: Introducing the recombinant plasmid into host cells.
• Selection: Identifying host cells that have successfully taken up the recombinant DNA using markers.

Molecular cloning has enabled the large-scale production of proteins like insulin, providing significant medical advancements.

recombinant protein

A recombinant protein is a protein that is produced by using recombinant DNA technology. This process involves inserting a gene encoding a particular protein into a host organism, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the desired protein.

Advantages of recombinant proteins:

• High purity: Recombinant proteins can be produced in a highly pure form.
• Consistency: The production process ensures consistent quality and quantity.
• Complex proteins: Enables the production of complex human proteins that are otherwise difficult to obtain.

One prominent example is recombinant human insulin. It's used to treat diabetes and is produced by inserting the human insulin gene into bacteria or yeast. These microorganisms then express the insulin protein, which can be harvested and purified for medical use.

recombinant DNA technology

Recombinant DNA technology combines DNA from different sources into a single molecule. This technology allows for the manipulation of genetic material to produce specific proteins or to confer new traits on organisms.

Steps involved in recombinant DNA technology:

• Gene identification: Identifying the gene that codes for the desired protein.
• Cloning: Inserting the gene into a plasmid vector to create recombinant DNA.
• Expression: Introducing the recombinant plasmid into host cells.
• Production: The host cells express the protein coded by the inserted gene.
• Purification: Extracting and purifying the produced protein for use.

This technology has broad applications, from producing pharmaceuticals like insulin to developing genetically modified crops with improved traits.

insulin production

Insulin production using recombinant DNA technology revolutionized diabetes treatment. Traditional insulin was extracted from pig or cow pancreas, which had limited supply and potential for allergic reactions.

Modern insulin production involves:

• Cloning the human insulin gene: The human insulin gene is inserted into a plasmid vector.
• Transformation: The plasmid is introduced into bacteria or yeast cells.
• Expression: These microorganisms express insulin, which is structurally identical to human insulin.
• Harvesting: Insulin is then extracted, purified, and formulated for medical use.

This method provides a steady, safe, and reliable source of human insulin, greatly improving the quality of life for people with diabetes.