Edexcel A Level (IAL) Biology -8.17 Drug Production from Genetically Modified Organisms- Study Notes- New Syllabus

Drugs Produced Using Genetically Modified Organisms

🌱 Introduction

Genetic modification allows scientists to alter the DNA of organisms to produce useful substances, such as medicines and therapeutic proteins. Drugs can be produced in microorganisms, plants, or animals.

🌟 1. Microorganisms (Bacteria & Yeast)

How It Works

• Gene coding for a desired protein (e.g., insulin) is inserted into a plasmid.
• Plasmid introduced into bacteria (like E. coli) or yeast.
• Microorganisms act as factories, producing large amounts of the protein.

Examples

Advantages

• Fast and cost-effective.
• Produces human-identical proteins → less immune reaction.

🌟 2. Plants (Transgenic Plants)

How It Works

• Gene for a drug is inserted into plant DNA (via Agrobacterium tumefaciens or gene gun).
• Plants express the protein in leaves, seeds, or fruits.
• Protein is extracted and purified for medical use.

Examples

Advantages

• Can produce large quantities cheaply.
• Reduced risk of contamination with human pathogens.

🌟 3. Animals (Transgenic Animals)

How It Works

• Gene inserted into embryo DNA so all cells carry it.
• Protein can be produced in milk, eggs, or blood.
• Extracted and purified for medical use.

Examples

Advantages

• Produces complex proteins requiring proper folding.
• Can produce large amounts of rare proteins.

🌟 Benefits of Using GMOs in Drug Production

• High yield: more drug than traditional extraction.
• Consistency: identical protein every batch.
• Safety: reduces contamination risk from human/animal sources.
• Cost-effective: cheaper than chemical synthesis.