synthetic biology

Question 1

define synthetic biology; 2 marks

Answer 1

make synthetic DNA from scratch using computers rather than gathering DNA and inserting it into organisms.
an engineering approach to biology

Question 2

discuss the origins of biotechnology

Answer 2

the technology for DNA synthesis was originally used to synthesise oligoprimers for PCR
overtime synthesising DNA has became cheaper; now costs 2c per base pair

Question 3

discuss an advantage of synthetic biology

Answer 3

it doesnt require a large expensive lab and equitment, it can be done in diverse setting at low costs (a bento lab costs £1000 and is capable of centrifugation, gel electrophoresis, PCR)

Question 4

discuss a limitation of synthetic biology and how this is dealt with

Answer 4

to work on GM organisms you must work in a licensed lab
cell free biology systems are emerging. these systems allow scientists to have direct access to reactions, components that would normally be non compatible can be added. one limitation is that less prior research exists on cell free biology providing cell direction, the costs can be higher too.

Question 5

discuss examples of synthetic biology

Answer 5

sequences which are expressed as proteins are altered so that they produce higher yields of substrate
bacteria biosensors which are bio luminescent in response to environmental stimulus
iGEM 100 megapixel biocamera using e.coli

Question 6

what are future possibilities for this technology

Answer 6

algae that eat greenhouse gasses and minimise global warming
synthetic organs rather than relying on transplants
colour changing bacteria which can monitor human health