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Synthetic Genome

30 Jun 2025 GS 3 Science & Technology

Synthetic Genome: DNA from Scratch 

  • Background:

    • The Human Genome Project (HGP) (1990–2003) involved over 2,800 scientists.

    • It aimed to read and map the human genome, covering 92% of 3.1 billion bases at a cost of $2.7 billion.

    • Outcomes included advances in genome sequencing, genetic research, and policy on genetic discrimination and IP rights.

  • Current Development:

    • The Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG) has been launched in the UK.

    • Unlike HGP (which read DNA), SynHG aims to “write” human DNA from scratch.

    • Four institutions, including Oxford and Cambridge, are involved.

    • Funded by a £10 million grant from the Wellcome Trust.

    • Over the next five years, the team will attempt to synthesize large DNA sequences.

  • Scientific Significance:

    • Develop technologies to synthesize human DNA

    • Could revolutionize synthetic biology, medical therapies, and genetic research

  • Concerns and Controversies:

    • Fears over “designer babies” – perceived as a step toward eugenics

    • Risk of engineered microbes escaping and harming ecosystems

    • Raises ethical questions related to safety, societal values, and biological risk

What is a Synthetic Genome?

  • A synthetic genome is artificially created or modified DNA, built from scratch or redesigned in a lab.

  • Can involve copying, modifying, or entirely synthesizing an organism's genome.

How is it Made?

  1. Artificial Gene Synthesis:

    • DNA sequences are chemically synthesized in labs.

  2. Genome Assembly:

    • Synthesized DNA fragments are assembled into larger sequences to form a full genome.

  3. Genome Transplantation:

    • The synthetic genome is inserted into a host cell, producing a living organism with synthetic DNA.

Key Applications

  • Understanding Genome Function:

    • Helps decode gene roles by tweaking genomes and observing effects.

  • Creating Novel Organisms:

    • Organisms with new traits like disease resistance or chemical production.

  • Medicine:

    • Supports new drug, vaccine, and gene therapy development.

  • Agriculture:

    • Enhances crop yield, nutrition, and pest resistance.

  • Industry:

    • Enables sustainable production of chemicals, fuels, and materials.

Notable Examples

  • Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn1.0:

    • First organism with a fully synthetic genome, created by J. Craig Venter Institute.

  • Yeast 2.0 (Sc2.0 Project):

    • Ongoing effort to synthesize the entire yeast genome.

  • Synthetic E. coli:

    • Modified bacterial strains with engineered genetic codes.

Synthetic genomics is a cutting-edge field with transformative potential in biology, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable industry, but it also raises important ethical and safety concerns.



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