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Recombinant DNA Technology can be useful for producing insulin hormones. The technology serves as a treatment for diabetes.  

The method involves isolation of the human insulin gene and inserting it into bacterial cells. The technology uses enzymes and various lab techniques to isolate DNA segments.  

The process joins DNA molecules and inserts the desired DNA sequence into a host body. This method of insulin synthesis ensures scalable, pure, and consistent insulin production.   

This blog discusses the application of Recombinant DNA Technology for insulin production. Continue reading.   

What Is Recombinant DNA Technology  

Recombinant DNA technology uses various enzymes along with techniques. It works on the principle of manipulating and isolating specific DNA segments.  

This technology is also known as genetic engineering. The method involves the manipulation of an organism’s DNA to include new genes.  

The technique allows for the expression of desirable traits or the synthesis of specific proteins. Recombinant DNA technology serves various fields such as biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture.  

The initiation phase involves the isolation of the desired gene from an organism’s DNA. For isolating specific DNA segments, restriction enzymes are used.  

Restriction enzymes act like molecular scissors that facilitate the easy removal of the specific gene. After the gene isolation process, the genes are inserted into a vector, which is typically a plasmid.  

A plasmid is nothing, but a small, circular DNA molecule present within the bacteria. An enzyme, known as DNA ligase, joins the plasmid and the gene together, forming recombinant DNA. 

Significance Of Insulin Hormone in The Human Body  

Insulin is produced by the pancreas. It is a crucial hormone. Its function is to primarily regulate blood sugar or glucose levels.   

When you consume food, your body converts the carbs into glucose. This causes a rise in glucose or sugar levels, which enters the bloodstream. The pancreas receives a signal to release insulin in response to a glucose level increase.  

Insulin hormone ensures the blood sugar remains within a healthy range. The hormone does so by facilitating the absorption of blood sugar by the cells effectively.  

Due to insulin malfunction, the glucose or sugar may fail to get absorbed by the cells, leading to a blood sugar spike. It increases the risk of diabetes complications in diabetic individuals.  

Moreover, Costus igneus is the original insulin plant because of its ability to help lower glucose levels for some people with diabetes. However, it is necessary to seek medical attention rather than treating the condition yourself.  

Step-by-step Method of Insulin Production Using Recombinant DNA Technology    

The technique for insulin production through Recombinant DNA Technology involves the following steps:   

  • Identifying the Gene – The process begins with identifying the gene that encodes insulin production. Insulin is a crucial hormone, produced by the pancreas in humans.  

Some specific genes help in the synthesis of insulin hormones. These genes are isolated to enable insulin production.  

  • Construction of Recombinant DNA – Once the specific genes are identified, the insulin gene is transferred into a suitable vector.  

The vector in which the genes are inserted is often a plasmid or a viral vector.  

The recombinant DNA is formed, in which the vector acts as a carrier to introduce the insulin gene into bacterial (host) cells.    

  • Introduction to Host Cells – In this step, recombinant DNA is inserted into host cells. The host cells can be typically bacteria or yeast cells.    

For the ease of culture growth and manipulation, Bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and yeast such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae are commonly preferable.   

  • Expression of Insulin – After transferring inside the host cells, the recombinant DNA controls the function of the host cell to produce insulin.     

The insulin gene is copied into mRNA. It is then converted into insulin protein.   

  • Harvesting: The bacterial (host) cells can grow and multiply continuously to produce insulin.   

When an adequate amount of insulin is synthesized, the cells are harvested. This causes the purification of the insulin from the culture.    

  • Purification – After the synthesis of insulin, the hormone is extracted for purification. For its purification, various techniques are used.  

One such technique is chromatography, which isolates the insulin protein from other cellular components.    

  • Formulation and Packaging – Once the process of purification is completed, the pure insulin is formulated into a stable, injectable form and packaged for distribution to patients.  

Use Of Recombinant DNA Technology for Insulin Production  

Insulin hormones can be produced using recombinant DNA technology. The procedure involves the insertion of the human insulin gene into a bacterial (host) plasmid, creating recombinant DNA.   

The host bacteria can be E. coli, which are then cultured in large fermenters. The creation of insulin protein happens when the bacteria use the human gene for its synthesis.  

When enough culture is grown, the bacteria are harvested. After this, the insulin is extracted and then purified.  

The technology helps produce human insulin on a large scale, which is quite identical to naturally occurring insulin.  

The method provides a reliable and efficient source for managing diabetes and preventing complications. The risk of allergic reactions linked to animal-derived insulin decreases due to this technique of insulin production.   

The link between Recombinant DNA technology and Genetic Testing  

There is an association between Recombinant DNA technology and genetic testing. Both these techniques involve the manipulation and analysis of DNA.  

The techniques serve as tools to understand and utilize genetic information for medical and research purposes.  

Recombinant DNA technology is a technique that combines DNA segments from different sources to create new genetic sequences. The technology facilitates the insertion of genes into plasmids or other vectors.  

The vectors can be in turn introduced into host cells like bacteria or yeast. The technology can be useful in various applications including protein synthesis, such as insulin or growth hormone, or in the study of gene function and regulation. 

Recombinant DNA technology can also play a crucial role in genetic testing. It can support functions like identifying, amplifying, and analyzing specific genes or genetic markers to predict diseases or traits.  

Various techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in genetic tests, are based on principles of recombinant DNA technology.  

Recombinant technology facilitates genetic testing by facilitating the identification of mutations, genetic predispositions, and hereditary conditions. 

Conclusion   

Recombinant DNA technology for insulin production has transformed diabetes management. The technique enables the patients to have access to a safer, more effective source of insulin.  

This advancement in this technology exemplifies how genetic engineering can fulfill critical medical needs and improve healthcare outcomes. 

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