Summary
Designing and building new biological parts, circuits and organisms with engineering principles.
In depth
BioBricks standardise parts; iGEM competitions. Milestones: toggle switch, repressilator, synthetic yeast chromosomes (Sc2.0) and the minimal cell JCVI-syn3.0 with 473 genes. Applications include biosensors and cell factories.
Design-build-test-learn cycles use standard parts and computer models. Cell-free systems allow rapid prototyping. Biosecurity and biosafety are central considerations.
Example: minimal genomes help identify essential genes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Synthetic Biology?
Designing and building new biological parts, circuits and organisms with engineering principles.
Which area of biology covers Synthetic Biology, and how advanced is it?
Synthetic Biology is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Systems Biology, Transgenic Organisms, Metabolic Pathway Engineering in Yeast.
Can you give an example of Synthetic Biology?
Engineered bacteria that change colour in presence of arsenic.
What should I learn before Synthetic Biology?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics first, such as Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, then return to Synthetic Biology. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Synthetic Biology?
The closest topics to Synthetic Biology are Systems Biology, Transgenic Organisms, Metabolic Pathway Engineering in Yeast, Machine Learning in Biology. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Synthetic Biology?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Synthetic Biology. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Synthetic Biology different from Systems Biology?
Synthetic Biology: Designing and building new biological parts, circuits and organisms with engineering principles. Systems Biology: An integrative approach modelling interactions among genes, proteins and metabolites as networks. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Synthetic Biology step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Systems Biology and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.