Question

Comment upon human insulin.

Hint:

Recombinant insulin has revolutionized diabetes treatment, ensuring a reliable and safe supply.

Answer 1

Step 1: What is Human Insulin?
Human insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas, specifically by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. It plays a vital role in regulating blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
Step 2: Function of Insulin.
Insulin allows cells, particularly muscle and fat cells, to take in glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into energy. It also promotes the storage of glucose in the liver as glycogen for later use. In the absence or insufficient production of insulin, as in diabetes, blood glucose levels rise, leading to hyperglycemia.
Step 3: Human Insulin and Biotechnology.
Human insulin can be produced using recombinant DNA technology. Genetically engineered bacteria (e.g., E. coli) are modified to produce human insulin, which is then purified and used for medical treatments of diabetes. This method has greatly improved the availability and consistency of insulin for diabetic patients.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Human insulin is a peptide hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and can be produced using recombinant DNA technology.}} \]