Recent discoveries in synthetic biology and the important role they play in the future of science
What was once a mere possibility, synthetic biology has become increasingly prevalent and shows enormous potential in the scientific world. Over the past few years, innovations in synthetic biology have become gradually more complex and hold the promise of discoveries in medicine, agriculture, and chemical engineering. Among the many prominent innovations are CRISPR-Cas9, biofuel, and genetically modified trees.
Synthetic biology is a scientific field where organisms are modified to be more useful. One of the latest and most well-known innovations in synthetic biology includes CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing technology that allows scientists to modify the DNA of living organisms. CRISPR-Cas9 functions by cutting DNA at a specific sequence, which is determined by the guide RNA (gRNA). The guide RNA directs the Cas9 Enzyme to a specific location on the DNA, where it then cuts. Once the DNA is cut, researchers can add, modify, or delete the DNA (7). One advantage of the CRISPR enzyme is that it is more efficient than other restriction enzymes and can target a longer DNA sequence (1). This enzyme has various applications ranging from creating crops with desirable traits to facilitating gene-editing medical research (7). Although this technology is currently only applied to animals, plants, or isolated human cells, the ultimate goal is to treat human diseases. Not only does synthetic biology prompt innovations in gene editing but also advancements in solving the pressing climate change issue.
An image representing the CRISPR Cas9 enzyme cutting DNA
As climate change intensifies in the coming years, there is a growing shift toward sustainable energy sources. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), biofuels could potentially provide 27% of the world’s transportation fuel by 2050 (2). Biofuels are a much more sustainable option than conventional gasoline or diesel in terms of CO2 emissions during production. With synthetic biology, many bacteria and yeasts can be genetically modified to optimize the production of biofuels like bioethanol and biodiesel (3). For example, baker’s yeast was modified in a study led by MIT postdoctoral researcher Felix Lam. The researchers changed the yeast’s growth conditions and added a new gene that allowed it to break down toxins (4). The yeast could then be applied in numerous ways, such as converting corn husks and stalks into biofuel. Farmers could also use the inedible parts of their crops by implementing this process.
Finally, Living Carbon, a start-up company based in San Francisco, has developed poplar trees that are genetically modified to absorb more carbon dioxide than normal trees. During photosynthesis, unmodified trees produce the enzyme RuBisCO (6). This enzyme has a higher affinity for O2 than CO2, which harms the plant and forms a byproduct that cannot be broken down into glucose. The plant then has to go through photorespiration to make the best out of its situation which costs a lot of ATP. The company’s study using genetically modified trees instead concluded that they captured 27% more carbon dioxide than unmodified trees, growing 53% larger in 5 months (5).
Despite its benefits, it is important to acknowledge that many innovations in synthetic biology are still being finalized and approved for widespread use. These remarkable technologies have extraordinary potential to transform the future world, but it is valuable to use them with care.
Bibliography
- (2019, August 15). What is genome editing? National Human Genome Research Institute.
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- (2011, April 20). Biofuels can provide up to 27% of world transportation fuel by 2050, IEA report says – IEA ‘roadmap’ shows how biofuel production can be expanded in a sustainable way, and identifies needed technologies and policy actions. IEA.
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- Life in the Lab Staff. (2024, April 1). 5 Synthetic Biology Discoveries Accelerating Global Sustainability. Thermo Fisher Scientific.
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- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. (2021, June 5). Genetically Modified Yeast To Efficiently Make Biofuels From Discarded Plant Matter. Sci Tech Daily.
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- Osborne, Margaret. (2023, February 21). Genetically Modified Trees Are Taking Root to Capture Carbon. Smithsonian Magazine.
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- Von Caemmerer, Susanne. (2020, September). Rubisco carboxylase/oxygenase: From the enzyme to the globe: A gas exchange perspective. Journal of Plant Physiology.
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- (n.d.). What is CRISPR-Cas9? Your genome.
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