FT014 - What is Synthetic Biology?

Summary

Synthetic biology is an engineering approach to DNA, where scientists apply design principles to create new biological systems or tools. Unlike traditional genetic engineering, which was more of an artisanal process, synthetic biology leverages modern tech like CRISPR, automation, and AI to standardize and quantify biological experiments. The field emphasizes an engineering mindset, focusing on design, build, test, and learn loops, and fosters a community of 'nerds' passionate about integrating engineering with biology.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Synthetic biology is the application of engineering design principles to DNA, aiming to understand and construct new biological systems.
• 🔍 Synthetic biologists are scientists, developers, or inventors who focus on reading, writing, and editing DNA using engineering approaches.
• 📚 The term 'genetic engineering' originated in the 1970s and was limited by the technology of the time, often relying on cutting and pasting existing genes.
• 🛠️ Modern synthetic biology differs from early genetic engineering by incorporating standardization, quantification, automation, and simulation.
• 📈 The advancement in DNA sequencing, synthesis, and laboratory automation has enabled a more systematic approach to genetic manipulation.
• 💡 Synthetic biology is not just an extension of genetic engineering but a distinct field that emphasizes engineering principles and design processes.
• 🔄 The 'design, build, test, learn' loop is a core iterative process used by synthetic biologists, reflecting an engineering mindset.
• 🌐 The synthetic biology community is defined by its shared approach to applying engineering design to DNA, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• 🧰 The current tech stack in synthetic biology includes advanced tools like CRISPR, omics technologies, and generative AI for DNA design.
• 🌟 Synthetic biology is a dynamic field that continues to evolve with the development of new tools and the growth of its community.

Q & A

What is synthetic biology?

Synthetic biology is the engineering design process applied to DNA, where scientists use design principles to construct new biological systems that are interesting or useful, or create new technologies and tools for reading, writing, or editing DNA.

How does synthetic biology differ from genetic engineering?

While genetic engineering involves the manipulation of genes, synthetic biology goes further by applying engineering principles to design and build new biological systems, focusing on standardization, quantification, automation, and simulation.

What role do synthetic biologists play in the field of biology?

Synthetic biologists act as scientists seeking design principles for biology, developers constructing new biological systems, or inventors creating new technologies and tools for genetic manipulation.

Why did the term 'genetic engineering' become popular in the 1970s?

The term 'genetic engineering' became popular in the 1970s as the first DNA technologies were emerging, marking a productive era for biotech with the creation of transgenic mice and recombinant human insulin.

What limitations did early genetic engineering face?

Early genetic engineering was limited by a lack of tools for working with DNA, such as sequencing technology, DNA synthesis capabilities, measurement tools, and laboratory automation, making it more of an artisanal craft process.

How has the advancement of technology transformed genetic engineering into synthetic biology?

Advancements in DNA sequencing, synthesis, gene editing tools like CRISPR, omics technologies, laboratory automation, and AI for DNA design have enabled the standardization, quantification, and automation of biological systems, leading to the emergence of synthetic biology.

What is the significance of the 'design, build, test, learn' loop in synthetic biology?

The 'design, build, test, learn' loop is an iterative process used in synthetic biology that reflects the engineering forward approach, focusing on enabling technology, measurement, and the design process.

What is a 'chassis' in the context of synthetic biology?

In synthetic biology, a 'chassis' refers to an engineered yeast strain or other biological system that serves as a base upon which genetic circuits or other biological components are built.

What is a 'genetic circuit' in synthetic biology?

A 'genetic circuit' in synthetic biology is a piece of functional DNA that has been designed to perform a specific task or function within a biological system.

Why is the term 'synthetic biology' important for the community?

The term 'synthetic biology' is important as it helps to bring together a community of people who share the goal of applying engineering design processes to DNA and seek to find others with similar interests and approaches.

How does synthetic biology relate to computer code?

Synthetic biologists often debate the similarities between genetic code and computer code, reflecting the field's focus on using engineering principles, including computational tools, to design and manipulate biological systems.