Synthetic genomics facts for kids
Synthetic genomics is a new and exciting field in synthetic biology. It's all about using parts of genetic modification on living things that already exist. It also involves creating brand new DNA or even whole new life forms using artificial gene synthesis.
What is Synthetic Genomics?
Synthetic genomics is different from regular genetic modification. Genetic modification usually works with genes found in nature. But synthetic genomics doesn't use genes that naturally occur.
Instead, it can use specially designed DNA building blocks. These are like custom-made letters for the genetic code. In the future, synthetic genomics might even use genetic codes that are not based on the two main base pairs that life uses today.
This field is growing thanks to new technologies. Scientists can now build long chains of DNA building blocks cheaply and accurately. This lets them experiment with genomes that don't exist in nature. Also, new ways to understand how proteins fold and cheaper computer power are helping this field grow fast.
History and Discoveries
Scientists made a big step in 2010. They created a synthetic organism for the very first time! This amazing achievement was done by a company called Synthetic Genomics, Inc.. This company still works on designing and creating custom genomes.
Another exciting moment happened in April 2019. Scientists at ETH Zurich announced they had created the world's first bacterial genome using only a computer. They named this new genome Caulobacter ethensis-2.0. Even though a living version of C. ethensis-2.0 doesn't exist yet, it was a huge step in designing life.
See also
- Artificial gene synthesis
- Artificially Expanded Genetic Information System
- Bioroid
- Genetic engineering
- Hachimoji DNA
- Synthetic biological circuit
- Synthetic genomes
