Describe how genetic modification is used to produce human insulin using bacteria. [6]
- the insulin gene is cut out of human DNA using a restriction enzyme(1)
- a plasmid is cut open with the same restriction enzyme (giving complementary sticky ends)(1)
- the insulin gene is joined into the plasmid using (DNA) ligase(1)
- the recombinant plasmid (vector) is inserted into a bacterium(1)
- the bacteria are grown / multiply in a fermenter(1)
- the bacteria make / express insulin, which is extracted and purified(1)
- Answer: Cut gene and plasmid with same restriction enzyme, join with ligase, insert recombinant plasmid into bacteria, grow in fermenter, extract insulin.
- Examiner tip: Name both enzymes correctly — restriction enzymes CUT, ligase JOINS.