Question

Consider the following statements regarding Genetically modified hormones

1. This technique enabled us to isolate any genes from any source in a pure form, and to move them from one cell to another.

2. We can produce viral and bacterial antigens of various types of cells by this method.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Both 1 and 2

Genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology) revolution in molecular biology has enabled us to isolate any genes from any source in a pure form, and to move them from one cell to another.

• It has become possible to program bacterial or yeast cells with foreign genes and force the new host to produce commercially valuable proteins (e.g. hormones, enzymes, diagnostic reagents).
• It is now also possible to produce viral and bacterial antigens in various types of cells. We hope that this will soon enable us to manufacture vaccines cheaply.
• The production of a foot-and-mouth-disease virus vaccine, the first promising example of a genetically engineered effective vaccine--has recently been reported.
• Expression of hepatitis B surface antigen, influenza virus haemagglutinin and polio-virus proteins from the cloned genes have also been reported, and many more viral genes have been cloned although not yet expressed in bacteria.
• Despite the extremely rapid development, there are a number of problems, both technical and immunological, which have to be extensively studied and eventually solved, before we can hope to obtain effective and safe genetically engineered viral vaccines for clinical use
• All vaccines are genetically modified in a way. A gene may be programmed to produce an antiviral protein in a bacterial cell.
• Once sealed into the DNA, the bacteria is now effectively re-programmed to replicate this new antiviral protein.
• Recombinant engineered vaccines are being extensively explored, especially to eradicate infectious diseases, allergies, and cancers.
• Protocols for genetically engineered vaccines raise issues on their efficacy and overall benefit
• In medicine, genetic engineering has been used to mass-produce insulin, human growth hormones, follistim (for treating infertility), human albumin, monoclonal antibodies, antihemophilic factors, vaccines,and many other drugs.
• Vaccination generally involves injecting weak live, killed, or inactivated forms of viruses or their toxins into the person being immunized.

Genetically engineered viruses are being developed that can still confer immunity, but lack the infectious sequences. Mouse hybridomas, cells fused together to create monoclonal antibodies have been humanised through genetic engineering to create human monoclonal antibodies.