manufacturing human insulin

Question 1

why are bacteria useful for genetic engineering? (genetic code)

Answer 1

they contain the same genetic code as the organisms we are taking the genes from, meaning they can easily read it and produce proteins

Question 2

why are bacteria useful for genetic engineering? (ethical concerns)

Answer 2

no ethical concerns over their manipulation and growth - unlike if animals were used as they can feel pain

Question 3

why are bacteria useful for genetic engineering? (presence of plasmids in bacteria)

Answer 3

plasmids are separate from the main bacterial chromosome- makes them easy to remove and manipulate to insert genes into them and then place them back inside the bacterial cells

Question 4

why is the nutrient medium and air entering the system sterilised?

Answer 4

to prevent the growth of pathigens or competing microorganisms

Question 5

what are the optimum conditions to manufacture GM products from bacteria?

Answer 5

providing oxygen via the air line
stirring the mixture to prevent clumpng and a shortage of nutrients
monitoring temperature and cooling the fermenter if needed
adding ore nutrient medium