6.3.4 Synthetic Biology Flashcards
1
Q
What is the basis of synthetic biology?
A
- Aims to create new biological systems
- To redesign systems that already exist naturally
- By assembling a new genome
- Using computers to design specific proteins
2
Q
How has synthetic biology been explored to produce artemisinin?
A
- Antimalarial drug
- DNA sequence constructed
- New metabolic pathway containing bacterial genes
- Bacteria produce precursor to artemisinin
- Genes can be inserted into yeast, which can grow and produce the precursor
- Much cheaper
- More available for poorer countries
- Saves lives
