Genetically engineered bacteria in commercial production of human insulin

Introduction
In the field of biotechnology, genetically engineered bacteria have been widely used for the commercial production of various valuable products. One such successful application is the production of human insulin, which has revolutionized the treatment of diabetes.

Explanation
1. Genetically engineered bacteria
- Genetically engineered bacteria refer to microorganisms that have been modified through genetic engineering techniques to possess specific desired traits or characteristics.
- These modifications are achieved by introducing foreign genes into the bacteria, which enable them to produce specific proteins or compounds.

2. Human insulin
- Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose metabolism in the body.
- In individuals with diabetes, the production or effectiveness of insulin is impaired, leading to high blood sugar levels.
- Human insulin, which is identical to the insulin produced naturally in the human body, is used in the treatment of diabetes.

3. Production of human insulin using genetically engineered bacteria
- Traditionally, insulin for medical use was obtained from the pancreas of animals such as pigs or cows.
- However, this method had limitations in terms of limited supply, potential allergic reactions, and ethical concerns.
- With the advent of genetic engineering techniques, scientists were able to modify bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), to produce human insulin.
- The human insulin gene was inserted into the bacterial DNA, allowing the bacteria to synthesize and secrete human insulin.

4. Advantages of using genetically engineered bacteria
- Genetically engineered bacteria provide a more reliable and sustainable source of human insulin production.
- The bacteria can be grown in large-scale fermentation tanks, allowing for mass production of insulin.
- The production process can be tightly controlled, ensuring consistent quality and purity of the insulin product.
- The use of genetically engineered bacteria eliminates the need for animal-derived insulin, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and ethical concerns.

Conclusion
The successful commercial production of human insulin using genetically engineered bacteria has revolutionized the treatment of diabetes. This application of biotechnology has provided a more reliable and sustainable source of insulin, improving the lives of millions of people worldwide.