Question

What are transgenic bacteria? Illustrate using any one example.

Answer 1

Hint: Bacteria possess very simple genetics. Due to this simple genetics bacteria can be modified easily in the laboratory to serve various human benefits. In 1978 bacteria was first modified by a scientist named Herbert Boyer.

Complete answer:
Transgenic bacteria: The bacteria whose genome involves genes of other organisms that are Incorporated manually within the laboratory are known as transgenic bacteria. Transgenic bacteria are used for various purposes like the production of food, cheese production, medicine production, etc.
Example: Human insulin hormone is produced for commercial purposes by using transgenic bacteria. The process by which insulin is produced within the laboratory is called recombinant DNA technology.

-In this technology, the human gene is inserted into the bacterial gene to produce human protein.
- The first human insulin coding gene is made within the laboratory.
- Then a bacterial DNA loop is removed and then the man-made gene is inserted.
- A newly recombinant bacterial gene or plasmid is then inserted into the bacteria again.
- Then the recombinant bacteria is placed within a large fermented tank.
- Within the tank, the bacteria start to produce their protein along with human insulin.
- The scientist then isolates the human insulin from the bacterial protein.
- Isolated insulin is then purified and sent for medicinal purposes.

Note: Bacteria is a single-cell organism which is the main feature for which Bacteria is chosen as the transgenic organism. Transgenic bacteria are used to produce several other products like the hepatitis B vaccine, Human growth hormone, interferon, etc. The use of Transgenic bacteria in various fields is beneficial as it is a cost-effective component. It can be used according to the needs at a low cost.