Describe a named genetic technology and its use in a medical application. - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 31 - 2023 - Paper 1

One notable genetic technology is recombinant DNA technology, which plays a crucial role in producing human insulin for medical applications, particularly in managing diabetes.

Recombinant DNA technology involves several steps. First, restriction enzymes are utilized to excise the specific gene for insulin from a human cell. These enzymes act as molecular scissors, cutting DNA at specific sequences.

The cut insulin gene is then inserted into a plasmid, which is a small, circular section of DNA often found in bacteria. The same restriction enzyme is used to prepare the plasmid by cutting it open to allow the insertion of the insulin gene. This creates complementary ends on the plasmid and the insulin gene, facilitating their joining.

Next, the recombinant plasmid containing the insulin gene is introduced into a host organism—commonly E. coli bacteria. These bacteria, now modified to produce human insulin, are cultured to generate large quantities of the hormone.

Finally, the insulin produced can be harvested and purified for use by patients to manage their diabetes effectively.