Recombinant human insulin is made by –
**Core Concept:** Recombinant human insulin is a synthetic form of insulin produced in a laboratory using recombinant DNA technology. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Recombinant human insulin is derived from a genetically engineered bacteria or yeast, such as Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which have been genetically modified to produce insulin. The DNA sequence coding for human insulin is inserted into the bacteria or yeast cells, which then synthesize and secrete the insulin protein.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **False:** Insulin is not derived from pigs or cows (animal insulin) as this option suggests. Animal insulin has a different amino acid sequence and structure compared to human insulin, leading to potential immune responses and less effective control of blood glucose in humans.
B. **False:** Insulin is not naturally produced by plants (plant insulin), as this option suggests. Plant insulin lacks the correct amino acid sequence and structure for effective treatment in humans.
C. **False:** Recombinant human insulin is derived from genetically modified organisms (bacteria or yeast), not from human cells. This option misrepresents the origin of recombinant insulin.
D. **Correct (but not the only option):** Bacteria (such as E. coli) and yeast (such as S. cerevisiae) are used to produce insulin as mentioned before. However, the correct answer is **not only bacteria** as stated in this option, as yeast is also employed for insulin production.
**Clinical Pearl:** Recombinant human insulin has several advantages over animal insulin, including better stability, reduced risk of allergic reactions, and precise dosing. This synthetic insulin is widely used in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
---
**Correct Answer:** D. Bacteria (Escherichia coli) and yeast (Candida gigas)
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **False:** While bacteria are utilized for insulin production, yeast is the correct organism used as well. The statement "only bacteria" is incorrect.
B. **False:** Insulin is not derived from genetically modified animals (such as pigs or cows) as this option suggests. Genetically modified organisms, including bacteria and yeast, are used for insulin production, not animals.
C. **False:** Insulin is not produced by plants as stated in this option. Recombinant human insulin is created through genetic engineering techniques in bacteria and yeast, not from plant sources.