Open AccessMeta synthetic biology: controlling the evolution of engineered living systems
Author(s) -
Nørholm Morten H. H.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
microbial biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.287
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 1751-7915
DOI - 10.1111/1751-7915.13350
Subject(s) - synthetic biology , exploit , living systems , systems biology , biology , biological evolution , computational biology , data science , evolutionary biology , computer science , ecology , genetics , computer security
A major aim of synthetic biology is the design of robust living systems for real‐world applications. In seemingly contrast, evolution changes the living, exploring new survival strategies in response to environmental challenges. How do we cope with this paradox? Can we control or even exploit the molecular mechanisms of evolution for biotechnological and biosustainable innovation and will the principles of engineering lead to fundamental insights in evolutionary biology? A merger of synthetic biology with experimental evolution is occurring and it will radically accelerate the development of these scientific disciplines.