Bacteria Producing Insulin Explained: Genetic Engineering

1. What is the primary reason scientists use bacteria to produce human insulin?

Bacteria reproduce quickly and can make large amounts of protein

Bacteria are the only organisms with DNA

Bacteria are larger than human cells

Bacteria do not require any food to grow

Bacteria already make insulin naturally

If a cell can double its population every 20 minutes, then it can act as a high-speed factory. If we have bacteria producing insulin explained as a manufacturing process, then their rapid growth makes them the most efficient choice.

Explanation

If a cell can double its population every 20 minutes, then it can act as a high-speed factory. If we have bacteria producing insulin explained as a manufacturing process, then their rapid growth makes them the most efficient choice.

2. Before genetic engineering, insulin for diabetic patients was primarily collected from the pancreases of slaughtered cows and pigs.

True

False

If human insulin was not available through technology, then doctors had to use similar proteins from animals. If pig and cow insulin are chemically similar to human insulin, then they were the original source for the medicine.

Explanation

If human insulin was not available through technology, then doctors had to use similar proteins from animals. If pig and cow insulin are chemically similar to human insulin, then they were the original source for the medicine.

3. The small, circular loop of DNA used to carry the human insulin gene into a bacterium is called a(n) ______.

If scientists need a "vehicle" to smuggle a human gene into a bacterial cell, then they use a small extra piece of DNA. If that circular piece is separate from the main chromosome, then it is a plasmid.

Explanation

If scientists need a "vehicle" to smuggle a human gene into a bacterial cell, then they use a small extra piece of DNA. If that circular piece is separate from the main chromosome, then it is a plasmid.

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4. Why is Escherichia coli (E. coli) the most common species used when we see bacteria producing insulin explained?

It is well-understood, grows easily, and is safe for lab use

It is a type of plant cell

It is the only bacteria that lives in humans

It can fly through the air to spread medicine

It is made of pure protein

If a bacterium is easy to handle in a lab and its entire genetic code is known, then it is a reliable "host" for engineering. If E. coli meets these criteria, then it is the industry standard for bio-factories.

Explanation

If a bacterium is easy to handle in a lab and its entire genetic code is known, then it is a reliable "host" for engineering. If E. coli meets these criteria, then it is the industry standard for bio-factories.

5. Which of the following "tools" are required to create a bacterium that produces human insulin?

Restriction enzymes (to cut DNA)

DNA ligase (to glue DNA)

A human insulin gene

A bacterial plasmid

A microscope made of gold

If the goal is to build a new DNA molecule, then you need the "instructions" (human gene), the "carrier" (plasmid), and chemical "tools" to cut and paste them together; however, gold microscopes are not required for this molecular work.

Explanation

If the goal is to build a new DNA molecule, then you need the "instructions" (human gene), the "carrier" (plasmid), and chemical "tools" to cut and paste them together; however, gold microscopes are not required for this molecular work.

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6. Bacteria are able to read human DNA because the "genetic code" is universal to almost all living things.

True

False

If a codon like "AUG" means the same amino acid in a human as it does in a bacterium, then the code is universal. If the code is universal, then the bacterial machinery can translate human instructions perfectly.

Explanation

If a codon like "AUG" means the same amino acid in a human as it does in a bacterium, then the code is universal. If the code is universal, then the bacterial machinery can translate human instructions perfectly.

7. Scientists use ______ enzymes to act like "chemical scissors" to cut the human insulin gene out of DNA.

If a specific sequence of DNA needs to be removed from a long strand, then a catalyst must break the bonds at that exact spot. If the enzyme "restricts" where it cuts based on a code, then it is a restriction enzyme.

Explanation

If a specific sequence of DNA needs to be removed from a long strand, then a catalyst must break the bonds at that exact spot. If the enzyme "restricts" where it cuts based on a code, then it is a restriction enzyme.

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8. What is the role of the enzyme "DNA Ligase" in the process of bacteria producing insulin explained?

It acts as "glue" to join the human gene and the plasmid together

It kills the bacteria after they are done

It turns the insulin into a gas

It unzips the DNA double helix

It provides energy to the cell

If the human gene and the bacterial plasmid have been cut, then they must be physically linked to stay together. If DNA ligase forms the covalent bonds to seal the DNA backbone, then it functions as biological glue.

Explanation

If the human gene and the bacterial plasmid have been cut, then they must be physically linked to stay together. If DNA ligase forms the covalent bonds to seal the DNA backbone, then it functions as biological glue.

9. Which steps are part of the process of making insulin using bacteria?

Isolating the human insulin gene

Inserting the gene into a plasmid

Putting the plasmid into a bacterium

Allowing the bacteria to multiply in a large vat

Teaching the bacteria how to speak

If the factory needs to run, then you must first provide the blueprint, install it in the worker, and then let the workers multiply; however, bacteria cannot learn human language.

Explanation

If the factory needs to run, then you must first provide the blueprint, install it in the worker, and then let the workers multiply; however, bacteria cannot learn human language.

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10. The term "Transformation" refers to the step where a bacterium takes up the recombinant plasmid from its environment.

True

False

If a bacterium is treated with heat or chemicals to make its membrane "leaky," then it can pull in a nearby plasmid. If it successfully acquires this new DNA and changes its traits, then the process is called transformation.

Explanation

If a bacterium is treated with heat or chemicals to make its membrane "leaky," then it can pull in a nearby plasmid. If it successfully acquires this new DNA and changes its traits, then the process is called transformation.

11. Bacteria are grown in a large, temperature-controlled tank called a ______ to produce insulin at an industrial scale.

If billions of bacteria need the perfect temperature and food to make protein, then a specialized industrial container is needed. If this tank is used for large-scale biological growth, then it is a fermentor (or bioreactor).

Explanation

If billions of bacteria need the perfect temperature and food to make protein, then a specialized industrial container is needed. If this tank is used for large-scale biological growth, then it is a fermentor (or bioreactor).

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12. Once the bacteria have finished growing, how is the final product in the bacteria producing insulin explained?

The insulin must be purified and separated from the bacteria

The bacteria are sold as tiny pills

The insulin is evaporated into the air

The bacteria are turned into cows

The insulin is made of sugar

If the insulin is a protein mixed in with bacterial waste and cell parts, then it is not safe for humans yet. If scientists use filters and chemicals to isolate the pure medicine, then the process is called purification.

Explanation

If the insulin is a protein mixed in with bacterial waste and cell parts, then it is not safe for humans yet. If scientists use filters and chemicals to isolate the pure medicine, then the process is called purification.

13. Why is "Human Insulin" made by bacteria better for patients than "Animal Insulin" from pigs?

It is less likely to cause an allergic reaction

It is exactly the same as the insulin made by a human pancreas

It is cheaper to produce in large amounts

It is more "ethical" because fewer animals are killed

It makes the patient grow extra DNA

If the protein is an exact match for human biology, then the body won't reject it. If bacteria are used instead of organs from thousands of animals, then it is more efficient and humane.

Explanation

If the protein is an exact match for human biology, then the body won't reject it. If bacteria are used instead of organs from thousands of animals, then it is more efficient and humane.

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14. In the story of bacteria producing insulin explained, "Humulin" was the first medication made using recombinant DNA technology to be approved for humans.

True

False

If the first commercial success of genetic engineering occurred in 1982 with a product called Humulin, then that product represents the start of the modern biotech era.

Explanation

If the first commercial success of genetic engineering occurred in 1982 with a product called Humulin, then that product represents the start of the modern biotech era.

15. DNA that has been formed by joining together segments from two different organisms is called ______ DNA.

If a human gene and a bacterial plasmid are "re-combined" into one single molecule, then the resulting structure is scientifically defined as recombinant DNA.

Explanation

If a human gene and a bacterial plasmid are "re-combined" into one single molecule, then the resulting structure is scientifically defined as recombinant DNA.

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16. How does the plasmid stay inside the bacteria throughout many generations?

It often contains an "antibiotic resistance" gene so only those with the plasmid survive

It is tied to the cell wall with a string

It is the only way the bacteria can breathe

The bacteria are afraid to lose it

The plasmid is made of glue

If a scientist adds a "survival gene" to the plasmid and then adds medicine to the water, then any bacterium that loses the plasmid will die. If only the engineered bacteria survive, then the plasmid is kept through selection.

Explanation

If a scientist adds a "survival gene" to the plasmid and then adds medicine to the water, then any bacterium that loses the plasmid will die. If only the engineered bacteria survive, then the plasmid is kept through selection.

17. What happens inside the bacterial cell when it reads the human insulin gene?

It performs transcription to make mRNA

It performs translation to build the protein

It copies the plasmid every time it divides

It turns the human gene into a bacterial gene

It creates a tiny human pancreas

If the bacterium follows the "Central Dogma" of biology, then it must copy the DNA code into a message and then build the protein chain; however, the gene remains human in code, and no organs are built.

Explanation

If the bacterium follows the "Central Dogma" of biology, then it must copy the DNA code into a message and then build the protein chain; however, the gene remains human in code, and no organs are built.

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18. The insulin produced by bacteria is initially made as two separate chains (A and B) that must be joined together later by scientists.

True

False

If human insulin is a complex molecule with two parts, then a simple bacterium may struggle to fold it correctly. If scientists grow the two chains in separate vats and then join them chemically, then they ensure the medicine is functional.

Explanation

If human insulin is a complex molecule with two parts, then a simple bacterium may struggle to fold it correctly. If scientists grow the two chains in separate vats and then join them chemically, then they ensure the medicine is functional.

19. The process of the ribosome "reading" the mRNA to build the actual insulin protein is called ______.

If the information in the nucleic acid "language" is being converted into the "language" of amino acids, then the cell is performing the biological process of translation.

Explanation

If the information in the nucleic acid "language" is being converted into the "language" of amino acids, then the cell is performing the biological process of translation.

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20. Which of the following is the best summary of bacteria producing insulin explained for society?

It is a way to use biological "factories" to create life-saving medicine cheaply and safely

It is a way to make bacteria more dangerous to humans

It is a method used to turn bacteria into human beings

It is only possible during the summer

It is a theory that has not been tested yet

If we take a natural process (protein synthesis) and direct it using human instructions to solve a medical problem, then we have used biotechnology to improve human health.

Explanation

If we take a natural process (protein synthesis) and direct it using human instructions to solve a medical problem, then we have used biotechnology to improve human health.

Living Factories: Bacteria Producing Insulin Explained

1. What is the primary reason scientists use bacteria to produce human insulin?

2.

What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

2. Before genetic engineering, insulin for diabetic patients was primarily collected from the pancreases of slaughtered cows and pigs.

3. The small, circular loop of DNA used to carry the human insulin gene into a bacterium is called a(n) ______.

4. Why is Escherichia coli (E. coli) the most common species used when we see bacteria producing insulin explained?

5. Which of the following "tools" are required to create a bacterium that produces human insulin?

6. Bacteria are able to read human DNA because the "genetic code" is universal to almost all living things.

7. Scientists use ______ enzymes to act like "chemical scissors" to cut the human insulin gene out of DNA.

8. What is the role of the enzyme "DNA Ligase" in the process of bacteria producing insulin explained?

9. Which steps are part of the process of making insulin using bacteria?

10. The term "Transformation" refers to the step where a bacterium takes up the recombinant plasmid from its environment.

11. Bacteria are grown in a large, temperature-controlled tank called a ______ to produce insulin at an industrial scale.

12. Once the bacteria have finished growing, how is the final product in the bacteria producing insulin explained?

13. Why is "Human Insulin" made by bacteria better for patients than "Animal Insulin" from pigs?

14. In the story of bacteria producing insulin explained, "Humulin" was the first medication made using recombinant DNA technology to be approved for humans.

15. DNA that has been formed by joining together segments from two different organisms is called ______ DNA.

16. How does the plasmid stay inside the bacteria throughout many generations?

17. What happens inside the bacterial cell when it reads the human insulin gene?

18. The insulin produced by bacteria is initially made as two separate chains (A and B) that must be joined together later by scientists.

19. The process of the ribosome "reading" the mRNA to build the actual insulin protein is called ______.

20. Which of the following is the best summary of bacteria producing insulin explained for society?