BRAINCAKEGene Technology in Humans
Gene technology is used to make human proteins for medicine, which were previously scarce, expensive or unsafe.
Human insulin
People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections. Before 1982, insulin was extracted from the pancreases of cows and pigs killed for meat. Since 1982, human insulin has been made by genetically modified bacteria.
1. cDNA for human insulin is made from mRNA using reverse transcriptase, or synthesised.
2. It is inserted into plasmids, which are taken up by bacteria such as E. coli.
3. Transformed bacteria are identified and grown in large tanks called fermenters.
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More in Gene Technology
- Cloning Plants
- Genetic Modification of Crops
- Genetic Modification of Soya Bean
- Gene Technology in Animals
- Knockout Mice
- Human Gene Therapy
- Ethics
- Safety of GM Crops
All 17 lessons in Gene Technology · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics