Evaluation:
Published: 01.12.1996.
Language: English
Level: Secondary school
Literature: n/a
References: Not used
  • Essays 'Bovine Somatotropin', 1.
  • Essays 'Bovine Somatotropin', 2.
Extract

Molecular Biology
Bovine Somatotropin (bST) is a naturally occurring protein produced by the pituitary gland in all cattle. It was discovered in 1930 that this hormone was capable of increasing the milk production when injected into lactating diary cows. Until recently, it became very difficult to acquire this milk-boosting hormone, as it was previously only found in the pituitary gland of a slaughtered cow. Presently, with the advancement of biotechnology scientists have invented rbST (recombinant Bovine Somatotropin) for commercial use in dairy cows. Using recombinant DNA technology, scientists targeted the bST-producing gene (foreign gene) and inserted it into E. Coli (Escherichia coli). The product is then purified and injected into the cattle.
Health and Safety.

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