synthetic biology
sin-THET-ik by-OL-oh-jee
sɪnˈθɛtɪk baɪˈɒlədʒiListen
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Dictionary meaning
a multidisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems, or to redesign existing natural biological systems for useful purposes; synthetic biology draws on molecular biology, biochemistry, computer science, and electrical engineering to create standardised biological components (biobricks), genetic circuits, and chassis organisms engineered to produce pharmaceuticals, biofuels, biodegradable materials, and biosensors; landmark achievements include the synthesis of a complete bacterial genome, the engineering of yeast to produce artemisinin for malaria treatment, and the design of gene drives to suppress disease-carrying mosquito populations; ethical concerns include biosecurity risks, ecological impacts of releasing engineered organisms, and equitable access to the technology's benefits
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