A biotech firm is trying to mass produce growth hormones using E. coli. First, t

Question

A biotech firm is trying to mass produce growth hormones using E. coli. First, they isolate the growth hormone gene from a person with no growth hormone deficiencies using restriction enzyme and ligase, and insert it into a plasmid. The plasmid is then put into E. coli for amplification. However, when the growth hormone obtained and refined from the E. coli was used to treat patients with growth hormone deficiencies, no improvements in the patient's conditions could be seen (hormone obtained from E. coli had no effect). Given that there were no problems with the gene cloning, and protein refinement process, why did the artificially synthesized growth hormone have no effect on the patients?

Explanation / Answer

Biotechnology Company Genentech and Drug Company Eli Lilly had both independently been working on a new way to manufacture HGH using recombinant bacteria. The companies genetically modified bacteria by inserting a gene coding for the production of HGH. This genetic transformation turned the bacteria into little factories to pump out HGH, leading to a limitless source of pure HGH with little risk of contamination.

The FDA approved Genentech's recombinant HGH, a drug called Protropin, making it only the second recombinant pharmaceutical to be sold in the U.S. It is a laboratory prepared hormone that was developed to remedy somebody malfunctions.

According to the given question there were no problems with the gene cloning and protein refinement process, so the recombinant hormone is good. Nowadays artificially hormones are using widely for patients.

Ex: It can be used for medical purposes like for babies whose bodies can’t produce the hormone naturally or for HIV/AIDS patients.

Conclusion: The artificially synthesized growth hormones have no effect on the patients because either he has sufficient hormone levels or any organ malfunction in his body.

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