How are bacteria used in the production of hormones like insulin?

Bacteria are used in the production of insulin by inserting the human insulin gene into their DNA, enabling them to produce insulin.

In more detail, the process begins with the isolation of the human insulin gene. This gene is responsible for the production of insulin in the human body. Once isolated, this gene is inserted into a circular piece of DNA known as a plasmid, which is found in bacteria. This process is known as genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology.

The plasmid, now containing the human insulin gene, is then introduced into a bacterium, usually Escherichia coli (E. coli). The bacterium is then allowed to reproduce in a controlled environment. As the bacteria multiply, they also replicate the plasmid and the insulin gene it carries, producing large quantities of the insulin protein.

The insulin produced by the bacteria is then harvested, purified and packaged into a form that can be used by humans. This method of producing insulin is highly efficient and has been used since the 1980s. It has largely replaced the previous method of extracting insulin from the pancreases of pigs and cows, which was more time-consuming, expensive and had a higher risk of causing allergic reactions in humans.

This process is a prime example of how genetic engineering can be used in medicine. It not only allows for the production of large quantities of a necessary hormone, but it also ensures that the insulin produced is identical to human insulin, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. This method is also used to produce other hormones and therapeutic proteins, demonstrating the versatility and importance of bacteria in biotechnology.