Question

What is the disadvantage of using porcine insulin (from pig) in diabetic patients?
(A) It leads to hypercalcemia
(B) It is expensive
(C) It may cause allergic reactions.
(D) It can lead to mutation in the human genome

Answer 1

Insulin is a proteinaceous hormone produced from the heterocrine gland pancreas. Insulin from different sources can lead to various reactions in the human body because they are foreign materials to the human body, so the body reacts to them accordingly.

Complete step by step solution:

What specifically causes type 1 diabetes is unknown. We think it is an autoimmune illness in which the body unintentionally kills the pancreatic cells that make insulin. Insulin is normally secreted into the bloodstream by the pancreas. As the insulin moves through your body, sugar enters your cells.
This pig-derived insulin is comparable to human insulin. It takes the place of the insulin that your body typically produces. This insulin has a short half-life. It functions by making it easier for blood sugar (glucose) to enter cells where your body can use it as fuel.
The following are some drawbacks of animal-derived insulin: Since the huge demand for insulin, many animals must be murdered. This is harsh to animals.
 Insulin derived from animals might induce allergic reactions because the body has a predisposition to respond to foreign substances. The animal that was slain may have been infected with harmful germs. It can taint the insulin as a result.
So, option (C) is correct.
Note: Compared to insulin obtained from pigs or calves, this GM insulin has some advantages because it can be produced in enormous quantities using bacteria that are cultivated in a fermenter. It is less likely to have a negative impact. Insulin from genetic engineering has fewer side effects whereas those from pigs can cause severe allergies and itchiness.