Question
Download Solution PDFWhich of the following should be chosen for best yield if one were to produce a recombinant protein in large amounts?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Option 3 : A continuous culture system
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
- In recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, the aim is to produce a desirable protein product.
- In order to obtain the protein, the rDNA needs to be expressed.
- The host cells must be induced to express the foreign gene by providing appropriate conditions.
- This would provide us with the recombinant protein, produced by a heterologous host.
- Heterologous host refers to the host cell that produces the protein in a cell line where it is not supposed to be.
- The recombinant proteins can be extracted and purified using various separation techniques in the laboratory.
- But this kind of laboratory set-up would only give a small-scale production.
- Large scale production is carried out in bioreactors that use a continuous culture system.
Explanation:
- A continuous culture system is where used medium is removed from one side while fresh medium is added from other side.
- This necessitates the presence of in-lets and out-lets.
- This system helps in maintaining the cells in the exponential phase of growth.
- This gives us a higher yield of the desired protein due to the larger biomass produced.
- In a typical bioreactor with a continuous culture system, 100-1000L of cultures can be processed.
Hence, the correct answer is option (3).
Additional InformationStirred-type Bioreactors -
- It may be of 2 types:
- A simple stirred-tank bioreactor that comes with a stirrer to mix the contents evenly and facilitate oxygen availability throughout the reactor.
- A sparged stirred-tank bioreactor that uses sterile air bubbles to increase the surface area for oxygen transfer.
- They also consist of in-lets and out-lets for maintaining a continuous culture system.