Insulin production, using modern methods, relies on genetic engineering to produce it in a lab setting. Here’s a step-by-step guide outlining how this process works:
Steps to Insulin Production Through Genetic Engineering
Here's a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of how insulin is produced in a lab:
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Isolate the Human Insulin Gene:
- Scientists first identify and isolate the specific section of human DNA that contains the instructions (gene) for making insulin.
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Prepare a Plasmid:
- A plasmid, which is a small, circular piece of DNA often found in bacteria, is selected for this process.
- This plasmid acts as a vehicle to carry the insulin gene into bacteria.
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Cut and Paste:
- Using special enzymes, the plasmid is cut open, creating a space for the human insulin gene.
- The isolated human insulin gene is then inserted into this opening in the plasmid. This process is often called "gene splicing".
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Transfer to Bacteria:
- The now-modified plasmid, containing the human insulin gene, is introduced into bacteria, typically E. coli. This process is called "transformation."
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Bacterial Reproduction:
- The bacteria, now containing the plasmid with the human insulin gene, are allowed to reproduce.
- As the bacteria replicate, they also copy the plasmid and the human insulin gene.
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Insulin Production:
- Following instructions from the human insulin gene, the bacteria start producing human insulin as a byproduct.
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Extraction and Purification:
- The bacterial culture is then harvested and the insulin is separated from the bacteria and other byproducts.
- The extracted insulin undergoes several purification steps to achieve pharmaceutical grade purity.
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Quality Control and Packaging:
- Finally, the purified insulin is tested for quality and potency, then prepared for patient use (in vials or pre-filled pens).
Summary Table
| Step | Action | Key Players | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gene Isolation | Identify and extract the human insulin gene. | Scientists, Molecular Biology Tools | Insulin gene ready for transfer. |
| Plasmid Preparation | Choose and cut open a suitable plasmid. | Scientists, Enzymes | Plasmid ready to receive the insulin gene. |
| Gene Insertion | "Paste" the human insulin gene into the prepared plasmid. | Scientists, Enzymes | Recombinant plasmid with insulin gene. |
| Bacterial Transfer | Insert the modified plasmid into bacteria. | Scientists | Bacteria contain the insulin gene. |
| Insulin Production | Bacteria produces insulin based on the transferred gene. | Bacteria | Bacteria culture containing insulin. |
| Extraction & Purification | Separate and purify insulin from bacterial cultures. | Scientists, Purification Techniques | Purified human insulin. |
This process, using genetic engineering, provides a reliable and scalable method for producing human insulin for medical use, as detailed in the reference, where scientists cut and paste the human insulin gene into a plasmid, which can be used to transfer the gene into bacteria.
The bacteria then produce the insulin.
