When was the first bacterial species genetically engineered for useful protein production?
Quick Answer
Genetically engineered bacteria were developed in the 1970s, and by 1978 they were being used to produce human insulin. This was one of the first major biotechnology successes.
The Full Story
In the 1970s, recombinant DNA methods made it possible to insert new genes into bacteria. By 1978, scientists at Genentech and academic collaborators had engineered bacteria to produce human insulin, a landmark achievement in biotechnology. This allowed a vital medicine to be manufactured more efficiently and more safely than by extracting it from animal sources. The success demonstrated that bacteria could be turned into tiny biological factories.
Key Facts
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"How bacteria became mini factories for medicine"
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