Question

List the advantages of recombinant insulin.

Answer 1

Recombinant Insulin :

Recombinant insulin (humulin) is produced in Escherichia coli bacteria. It is produced by cloning genes of human A and B peptides of insulin separately in different E.coli bacteria. In the end, disulfide bonds are created in between both the peptides to form functional insulin.

Advantages of recombinant insulin :

The advantages of recombinant insulin are as follows:

1. It does not require the sacrifice of animals such as pigs and cows.

2. It is safe and has the least side effects, unlike the insulin obtained from non-human sources such as pigs and cows.

3. Recombinant insulin can be synthesized in large quantities in a short period of time.

4. It is cheaper than that isolated from pigs and cows.

5. It does not cause any immune rejection like animal insulin.

6. Recombinant insulin can be used for insulin therapy for diabetes mellitus patients.

7. It does not cause allergic responses.

8. It is rapidly absorbed from the site of injection.

9. It has increased shelf life and does not degrade rapidly.