Question

It was first used for insulin production -

• A. Plasmodium
• B. Eisenia fetida
• C. GMO Bacteria
• D. Fungi

Hint:

GMO bacteria, particularly E. coli, revolutionized insulin production, making it widely available for diabetes treatment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks which organism was first used for insulin production. Let's evaluate each option one by one to identify the correct answer.

1. Plasmodium: Plasmodium is a genus of parasitic protozoa, and it is known for causing malaria. It is not used in insulin production.
2. Eisenia fetida: Commonly known as the red wiggler worm, Eisenia fetida is used in vermiculture and waste decomposition. It is not involved in insulin production.
3. GMO Bacteria: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), particularly Escherichia coli bacteria, were first used for the production of human insulin. This process involves inserting the human insulin gene into E. coli, allowing the bacteria to synthesize insulin. This method revolutionized the production of insulin, making it more efficient and safer.
4. Fungi: While fungi have various industrial and medical applications, they were not the first organisms used for insulin production.

The correct answer is GMO Bacteria, as they were the first organisms utilized for insulin production through genetic engineering techniques. Using GMO bacteria enabled mass production of human insulin, which significantly improved insulin availability for diabetic patients.

This breakthrough was achieved in the early 1980s and is considered a landmark development in biotechnology.