Human insulin is a hormone used to treat diabetes. Historically, insulin was extracted from the pancreases of slaughtered pigs. Today, it is produced on a large scale by genetically engineered bacteria.
Insulin molecules travel in the blood and bind to specific insulin receptors on the surface of target cells. Explain why a specific shape of insulin molecule is needed to bind to these receptors.
Genetically engineered bacteria are grown in large fermenters to manufacture human insulin.
State two other medical uses of genetically engineered proteins or monoclonal antibodies.
Suggest two reasons why bacteria are highly suitable organisms for the large-scale industrial production of human proteins.
Describe how scientists can use the human insulin gene to genetically engineer bacteria to produce human insulin.
Suggest two reasons why many people prefer using insulin produced by genetically engineered bacteria rather than insulin extracted from pigs.
Before the first genetically engineered insulin was approved for medical use, the scientific research describing its production had to be peer-reviewed. Explain why scientific research must undergo peer review before it is published or accepted by the medical community.