Synthetic biology is a branch of biology much discussed not only by the wide range of scientists it incorporates but also by politicians, philosophers, and physicians. The issues it raises are at the heart of the human condition itself and can often lead to mass debate. However as this is a biology blog I will assess the biological aspects and issues that occur within the seemingly limitless boundaries of the field.
Synthetic biology is the construction of biological machines, systems, or devices for a useful purpose. (I will use the definition biological device) The construction of these biological devices is achieved by inserting a gene or a sequence of DNA into the the DNA of another organism in order for that organism to gain a more anthropocentric function.Take for example the insertion of DNA into a bacterial plasmid, this is achieved through a process called ligation which requires DNA ligase 'sticking together' the two different parts of DNA which was cut by a restriction enzyme. In an mammalian cell the new DNA is then 'opened up' with DNA helicase, an mRNA strand starts to form from nucleotides in the nucleus and RNA polymerase catalysing the phosphodiester bonds between the sugars and phosphates to form an mRNA strand. This strand then leaves the nucleus through a nuclear pore. The mRNA then moves to a ribosome in the cytoplasm often found on the enoplasmic reticulum. The ribosome 'reads' the codons of the mRNA, each three letters codes for a specific amino acid, which the tRNA activates and moves to the ribosome. Here a polypeptide chain is formed until there is a complex protein produce. This protein will now carry out the function of the inserted DNA. However it is unknown whether the bacteria will actually function with the new addition due to many of the parts being undefined. The way the cell works is also unpredictable with many scientists achieving results purely through trial and error, as computer programs are unable to predict the cell reaction. The bigger the device you try to build the more complex it gets and therefore the more likely it is not to function effectively.
Synthetic biology is the construction of biological machines, systems, or devices for a useful purpose. (I will use the definition biological device) The construction of these biological devices is achieved by inserting a gene or a sequence of DNA into the the DNA of another organism in order for that organism to gain a more anthropocentric function.Take for example the insertion of DNA into a bacterial plasmid, this is achieved through a process called ligation which requires DNA ligase 'sticking together' the two different parts of DNA which was cut by a restriction enzyme. In an mammalian cell the new DNA is then 'opened up' with DNA helicase, an mRNA strand starts to form from nucleotides in the nucleus and RNA polymerase catalysing the phosphodiester bonds between the sugars and phosphates to form an mRNA strand. This strand then leaves the nucleus through a nuclear pore. The mRNA then moves to a ribosome in the cytoplasm often found on the enoplasmic reticulum. The ribosome 'reads' the codons of the mRNA, each three letters codes for a specific amino acid, which the tRNA activates and moves to the ribosome. Here a polypeptide chain is formed until there is a complex protein produce. This protein will now carry out the function of the inserted DNA. However it is unknown whether the bacteria will actually function with the new addition due to many of the parts being undefined. The way the cell works is also unpredictable with many scientists achieving results purely through trial and error, as computer programs are unable to predict the cell reaction. The bigger the device you try to build the more complex it gets and therefore the more likely it is not to function effectively.