The technology enabling genes to be extracted from some organisms DNA and inserted into bacteria was developed in the 1970s. Researchers realised immediately that this development would make it possible for bacteria to produce proteins that they would not produce naturally. One of the first applications to be developed involved inserting the human gene for producing insulin into bacteria.
Technology
Some detergents available on the market contain enzymes that are produced without the use of genetically modified organisms. These enzymes are less well adapted to the conditions inside washing machines and are, therefore, less effective.
Click here for a schematic explanation of the technology.
Human insulin was introduced in 1983 and was the first health product to be produced from genetically modified organisms.
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Bioreactor for the production of genetically modified bacteria. |
Selecting successful inserts
Inserting a gene into an organism is rarely an instant success. Generally, hundreds or even thousands of trials are required before the new gene is successfully incorporated into the DNA of a living cell. It is crucial, therefore, to identify that successful insert. An ingenious, rather complicated method for doing this has been devised.
Scientists use plasmids as a means of inserting genes into bacteria. This is a major stage in the process of genetically modifying plants and animals. Plasmids are tiny, circular pieces of DNA that are used naturally by bacteria to exchange genes. The scientists use special plasmids containing two particularly useful genes. One gene shows whether the bacteria have incorporated the plasmid, while the other shows whether the plasmid actually contains the new gene.
Click here for a schematic explanation of the technology.
