Chapter 20: Biotechnology -- Advanced Techniques - Explore Biology

Application of recombinant DNA Combining sequences of DNA from2 different sources into 1 DNA molecule often from different species human insulin gene in E. coli (humulin) frost resistant gene from Arctic fish instrawberries “Roundup-ready” bacterial gene in soybeans BT bacterial gene in corn jellyfish glow gene inZebra “Glofish”AP Biology2004-2005In 1978, scientists at the Biotechnology Company, Genentech, clonedthe gene for Human Insulin. Genentech licensed the human insulintechnology to Eli Lilly, where it was named "Humulin" orRecombinant Human Insulin. In 1982, human insulin became thefirst recombinant DNA drug approved by FDA. Today, Humulin ismade in Indianapolis in gigantic fermentation vats, 4 stories high andfilled with bacteria!!! These fermentation vats operate 24 hours a day,year round. The human insulin protein made by the E. coli bacteria iscollected from the vats, purified, and packaged for use by patientswith diabetes.29