Synthetic biology combines different research areas to design and build new biological systems and functions. It was first used in 1978 to reconstruct DNA molecules and analyze genes. Synthetic biology is used in genetics to test theories and predict outcomes. It also led to the field of synthetic chemistry. However, there are concerns about its potential misuse as a biological weapon.
Synthetic biology is a form of biological study that involves creating a holistic understanding of a concept by combining different research areas. More recently, the term synthetic biology has come to represent a form of research that combines science with engineering. In this way, new biological systems and functions can be designed and built.
The term synthetic biology was first used in 1978 after Daniel Nathans, Werber Arber and Hamilton O. Smith won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The prize was awarded after Nathan, Arber and Smith discovered restriction enzymes and determined how to apply them to problems encountered in molecular genetics. This allowed scientists to reconstruct recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules, as well as analyze individual genes. This example of synthetic biology has allowed scientists to describe and analyze existing genetic arrangements as well as new arrangements constructed by the human hand.
Synthetic biology is commonly used in the study of genetics. With synthetic biology, researchers can create a DNA template and place it inside living cells to see the result. This helps researchers test their theories and predict genetic outcomes.
Since biological systems are actually physical systems composed of chemicals, synthetic biology led to the field of synthetic chemistry. Synthetic biology and synthetic chemistry go hand in hand, as natural chemicals are used to design and create new chemicals. The ultimate goal of synthetic biology is to design and build biological systems designed to process information, as well as modify chemicals, create materials, provide food, produce energy, maintain and improve human health, and maintain and improve the environment.
Synthetic biology, however, has its challenges. Bioethicists are largely concerned about the potential misuse of synthetic biology by terrorist countries. The same metals created to make sewing needles and plows, for example, were later used to make spears and swords. Nuclear physics created radiation treatments for cancer, but it also produced nuclear weapons. Opponents fear that while synthetic biology may be able to find a cure for malaria, the same field could also be used to create a biological weapon for which there is no cure.
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