Often described metaphorically as the development of interchangeable biological parts and carrying out man-made designs with them, Synthetic Biology has promised to change science paradigms since its inception around a decade ago. Developing useful complex systems however, was thought to be currently too difficult given existing biological knowledge. Craig Venter's recent success in developing a synthetic bacterial cell is a promising proof of concept. Of particular interest might be the ability to develop affordable and eco-friendly biofuels that rely on waste biomass or novel enzymes, instead of the current biofuel supply supported substantially by government subsidies and relying mostly on the inefficient use of food crops. This idea, of course, has not escaped notice by Venter and colleagues who carried out their cell design within the context of large biofuels alliance with Exxon-Mobile.
Dov Greenbaum
Mark Gerstein
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Unpublished letter in response to:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/3dbad5ca-6431-11df-8618-00144feab49a.html
Scientists create synthetic life form with a computer and four bottles of chemicals"
Clive Cookson
May 21, 2010
The Financial Times
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