Genetic Modification Explained || Insulin-Producing Bacteria

Introduction

This tutorial explains the process of genetic modification used to produce human insulin from bacteria. Understanding this technique is crucial for appreciating how biotechnology addresses medical needs, particularly for individuals with diabetes who require insulin for blood glucose regulation.

Step 1: Understanding DNA and Genes

• What is DNA?
  DNA is the molecule that contains genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, and functioning of all living organisms.

• What are Genes?
  Genes are specific segments of DNA that provide instructions for producing proteins, such as insulin, which plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels.

Step 2: Identifying the Problem

• Diabetes Overview
  Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot produce or effectively use insulin, leading to imbalanced blood glucose levels.

• Traditional Insulin Sources
  Historically, insulin was extracted from animal sources, like cows or pigs, but this method has limitations.

Step 3: Genetic Engineering of Bacteria

• Introducing Genetic Modification
  Modern biotechnology allows us to create human insulin using bacteria, which can be genetically modified to produce this protein.

Step 4: Extracting and Modifying Plasmids

• Understanding Plasmids
  Bacteria contain small circles of DNA called plasmids that can be manipulated for genetic engineering.

• Using Restriction Enzymes

  • Extract plasmids from bacteria.
  • Use a restriction enzyme to open the plasmids, creating “sticky ends” that allow for easy attachment of new DNA segments.

Step 5: Isolating the Human Insulin Gene

• Cutting Out the Insulin Gene
  • Obtain the gene responsible for producing human insulin from a human cell.
  • Use the same restriction enzyme to cut out this insulin gene, which will also have sticky ends.

Step 6: Creating the Recombinant Plasmid

• Mixing Components
  • Combine the open plasmids with the human insulin gene and an enzyme called ligase.
  • Ligase will join the sticky ends of the human insulin gene to the plasmid, creating what is known as a recombinant plasmid.

Step 7: Inserting the Recombinant Plasmid into Bacteria

• Transforming Bacteria
  • Insert the recombinant plasmids back into bacteria cells, which will now carry the human insulin gene.

Step 8: Cultivating the Genetically Modified Bacteria

• Growing Bacteria in Fermentation Tanks
  • Place the recombinant bacteria in ideal conditions within fermentation tanks.
  • Allow the bacteria to multiply, leading to the production of large quantities of human insulin.

Step 9: Collecting and Purifying Insulin

• Harvesting the Insulin
  • Once the bacteria have produced enough insulin, collect and purify the insulin.
  • Bottle the purified insulin for use by individuals with diabetes.

Conclusion

This tutorial outlines the process of genetically modifying bacteria to produce human insulin, a significant advancement in biotechnology. Understanding this process highlights the importance of genetic engineering in medicine. For further exploration, consider delving into other applications of genetic modification or the ethical implications surrounding biotechnology.