Learning Outcomes
i. Understand the role of genetic engineering in the production of medical substances.
ii. Describe the process of producing human insulin and growth hormones through genetic engineering.
iii. Recognize the significance of these achievements in the treatment of diseases.
i. Genetic Engineering in Medical Substance Production
Genetic engineering has revolutionized medicine by enabling the production of vital substances that are identical to those naturally produced in the human body. This has improved the availability, efficacy, and safety of treatments for various conditions.
ii. Production of Human Insulin
Before genetic engineering, insulin used to treat diabetes was primarily extracted from the pancreases of pigs and cows. The process of producing human insulin through genetic engineering involves:
Gene Cloning: The gene responsible for insulin production is isolated from the human genome and inserted into a plasmid vector.
Transformation: The recombinant plasmid is introduced into bacteria, such as E. coli, which then express the insulin gene.
Fermentation and Purification: The bacteria are grown in large fermenters, and the insulin they produce is harvested and purified for medical use.
Quality Control: The insulin undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its purity, effectiveness, and safety for human use.
iii. Production of Growth Hormones
Genetic engineering is also used to produce human growth hormone (hGH), which is crucial for treating growth disorders. The process is similar to insulin production and involves:
Gene Isolation: The hGH gene is isolated and inserted into a suitable vector.
Culturing: The vector is used to transform host cells, which are then cultured in bioreactors.
Extraction and Refinement: The hormone is extracted from the host cells and refined to ensure that it is biologically active and free from contaminants.
iv. Significance of These Achievements
The ability to produce human insulin and growth hormones through genetic engineering has several significant implications:
Improved Patient Outcomes: Patients receive medications that are structurally identical to their natural counterparts, reducing the risk of adverse reactions and improving treatment outcomes.
Accessibility and Cost: Synthetic production reduces dependency on animal sources, making these medications more accessible and potentially less expensive.
Ethical Considerations: Moving away from animal sources addresses some ethical concerns regarding animal welfare.
Genetic engineering has had a transformative impact on the field of medicine, particularly in the production of substances like human insulin and growth hormones. These advances have greatly enhanced the management and treatment of diseases, demonstrating the power and potential of genetic engineering to improve human health. The continued development of these techniques holds promise for the production of an even broader range of medical substances in the future.
