Interpret yield, toxin and treatment data for genetically modified organisms, explain ecological risks such as gene transfer, and evaluate practical controls using marked exam evidence.
Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels and maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people across the world. Human insulin is a small molecule that consists of two polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bridges. Insulin from animals can be used to treat diabetes. Human insulin can now be synthesised using genetically modified bacteria.
Suggest two advantages of producing human insulin using genetically modified bacteria compared with insulin produced from animals.
An answer that includes two of the following points:
- not limited by the slaughter of animals (1)
- \{large / more\} quantities can be made / cheaper (1)
- no \{ethical / religious\} (issues linked to the \{use of / killing\} animals) (1)
- more effective at treating diabetes / reduced \{risk of rejection / allergic reaction/ immune response\} (1)
- no risk of transferring infections (between other animals to humans) (1)
ACCEPT animals not lost from food chain
ACCEPT produced faster / produce many
IGNORE cheap unqualified / bacteria produced faster
ACCEPT animal insulin may be different so less effective