# Explain why bacteria are considered particularly useful organisms for producing human insulin by genetic modification.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 21.3 Genetic modification · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Bacteria reproduce very rapidly, so large quantities of insulin can be produced quickly.
2. Bacteria contain plasmids, which are circular pieces of DNA that can be used to carry the inserted human insulin gene.
3. The insulin gene can be expressed in bacteria, so the bacteria produce human insulin protein.
4. There are no ethical concerns about manipulating bacterial DNA, unlike with human or animal cells.

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