Question

Which one of the following is now being commercially produced by biotechnological procedures?

• A. Morphine
• B. Quinine
• C. Nicotine
• D. Insulin

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Insulin

The correct option is D.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Insulin is a hormone necessary for maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
2. In a major disorder like diabetes, insulin plays an important role in the health of the patient.
3. Earlier insulin was obtained from pigs and other animals to treat patients but the method was improper, time-consuming, and can cause infection in patients.
4. Since the discovery of rDNA technology, insulin is produced with the help of E. coli bacteria.
5. This method is more prominent and can help with large-scale production easily.
   

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Morphine is a medication against pain.
2. It is obtained from the Opioid plant family.
3. And it can be produced easily through plant material as per its demand.
   

Option B:

1. Quinine is obtained from Cinchona trees as it is a natural Cinchona alkaloid.
2. Quinine helps to cure malaria, muscle cramps, and hypersensitivity.
3. As it is plant-based, and available commonly in America and Africa, it can be produced easily by the same method.

Option C:

1. Nicotine is a natural stimulant that transfers messages quicker than normal between the brain and body.
2. It is a plant-based drug belonging to the Solanaceae family.

Final answer: Insulin is now being commercially produced by Biotechnological procedures.