Question

Which of the following has not been synthesised by DNA technology?

• A. Insulin
• B. Somatostatin
• C. Interferon
• D. Haemoglobin

Answer 1

The correct option is D Haemoglobin

DNA technology
DNA technology is a method of modifying the genetic material (DNA or RNA) followed by its incorporation into a host organism. This is done in order to induce the expression of desired traits in the host.

Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreas to lower the blood glucose by allowing its rapid uptake by the cells.
Recombinant insulin is produced in Escherichia coli by DNA technology to treat patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.

Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin is a protein found in blood which carries oxygen to body organs and transports carbon dioxide back to lungs from organs.
Currently, efforts are being made to produce recombinant haemoglobin.

Somatostatin
Somatostatin is a peptide hormone secreted by delta cells of the pancreas. Its primary function is to regulate the release of hormones released by digestive glands. It also regulates the release of growth hormone.
It is produced by recombinant DNA technology to act as an anti-growth hormone.

Interferons
Interferons are proteins released by virus-infected cells to protect other cells from infection. They are produced by recombinant DNA technology to treat various cancers such as melanoma, follicular lymphoma etc.

Final answer:
(b) Haemoglobin