6.3.4 Synthetic Biology Flashcards
How can sequencing DNA determine protein sequences?
The genetic code can be used to predict the amino acid sequence within a protein
Once scientists know the amino acid sequence they can predict how the new protein will fold into its tertiary structure
This information can be used for a range of applications, such as in synthetic biology
What is synthetic biology?
Synthetic biology is a recent area of research that aims to create new biological parts, devices, and systems, or to redesign systems that already exist in nature
It goes beyond genetic engineering, as it involves large alterations to an organism’s genome. This new genome can cause a cell to operate in a novel way, not yet seen before
The assembly of the new genome can be done using existing DNA sequences or using entirely new sequences
These new sequences can be designed and written (using special computer programmes) so that they produce specific proteins
What is an application of synthetic biology?
The most well-known use of synthetic biology is the commercial production of antimalarial drug, artemisinin
Artemisinin was first isolated in China from the native plant Artemisia annua
A. annua is difficult to cultivate, leading to an unstable supply of artemisinin at an ever-changing price often too expensive for those needing the drug most
Scientists have constructed a DNA sequence for a whole new metabolic pathway containing genes from bacteria, yeast, and A. annua. This pathway results in the production of artemisinic acid, a precursor to artemisinin
This pathway can be inserted into yeast cells which then produce artemisinic acid. The conversion of this precursor into artemisinin can then be carried out using an inexpensive process
