OCR GCSE Biology 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary purpose of genetic modification in the production of insulin is to insert the human insulin gene into bacteria. This process allows the genetically modified bacteria to produce human insulin effectively and in large quantities. By utilizing a bacterium, such as E. coli, scientists can harness the natural cellular machinery of the bacteria, enabling them to synthesize the insulin protein as if it were produced by the human pancreas. This method is efficient and cost-effective compared to extracting insulin from animal pancreas glands, which was the traditional method before genetic engineering techniques were developed.

The other options do not accurately reflect the main goal of genetic modification for insulin production. Modifying the insulin molecule for better absorption, making insulin resistant to degradation, and enhancing the taste of insulin are not the primary aims of the genetic engineering process used in creating insulin through bacterial synthesis. The insertion of the human insulin gene is the critical first step that leads to the mass production of insulin suitable for therapeutic use.