Human insulin is an important protein hormone.
a.[1]
Name the organ in the human body that naturally produces insulin.
b.[2]
State the physiological role of insulin in the human body.
c.[5]
Describe how bacteria can be genetically modified to produce human insulin.
d.[1]
The term that best describes bacteria that have been genetically modified to contain and express a gene from another species (such as the human insulin gene) is
- A pathogenic
- B transgenic
- C aseptic
- D vector
e.[2]
The diagram shows a fermenter used to grow large numbers of genetically modified bacteria.
Explain how the motorised stirrer helps to maintain a rapid rate of bacterial growth.
f.[4]
If the air supply inlet becomes blocked, the oxygen concentration inside the fermenter falls to zero.
Describe and explain how this affects the production of insulin.