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Metabolic engineering involves altering cellular pathways to optimize cells for specific purposes. It analyzes cellular networks, makes genetic alterations, and focuses on elements such as regulatory functions, enzymes, and transport media. It is a complex and multidisciplinary process used to make medicines and modify properties of foods and beverages.
Metabolic engineering is the process of working with pathways in cells in hopes of giving them specific qualities. The practice typically consists of boosting a process already performed by a cell. In essence, it is the optimization of a cell for that particular purpose. Metabolic engineering is a branch of cell biology. It is commonly used to make medicines and to modify the properties of some types of foods and beverages.
The primary tactic of metabolic engineering is to alter the networks that facilitate communication within and between cells so that they deliver a specific message. Metabolic engineering begins with an analysis of these pathways. It consists of mathematically mapping the structure of cells and finding all the potentially useful elements inside them. In essence, it is a way to develop an understanding of how metabolic processes work so that they can be altered.
Once the analysis of cellular networks is complete, the next step in the metabolic engineering process is to use the principles of molecular biology to modify them. This is achieved by making genetic alterations in the cell structure so that they function as desired. The process tends to focus on networks because altering just these elements leaves most of the cell intact, which gives it a better chance of surviving as long as it would without intervention.
Some of the specific elements that are altered through this process include regulatory functions, enzymes, and transport media. These things are being changed via adjustments to information centers such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The overall effect is to divert specific processes so that they change the way the cell works.
Most metabolic engineering work has traditionally involved microbial organisms, which are tiny life forms. As the practice developed, other life forms, such as animals and plants, were used for the process. In all cases, elements of these life forms were grown in cell cultures which provide the material needed for cellular modification.
Metabolic engineering is complex and multidisciplinary. It is based on molecular biology, chemical engineering and biochemistry. This process also affects information technology.
The practice of metabolic engineering is often used to change the properties of various items on the market. It is commonly used in the preparation of medicines. The process can also be part of the production of consumer products such as cheese, beer or wine.
