Some synthetic biologists have proposed creating an entirely new, freeliving organism with a minimal genome, the smallest set of genes that allows for replication of the organism in a particular environment. This genome could be used to design and create, from “scratch,” novel organisms that might perform specific tasks, such as the breakdown of toxic materials in the environment. Q. How might the minimal genome required for life be determined?
Bacterial Genomics
The study of the morphological, physiological, and evolutionary aspects of the bacterial genome is referred to as bacterial genomics. This subdisciplinary field aids in understanding how genes are assembled into genomes. Further, bacterial or microbial genomics has helped researchers in understanding the pathogenicity of bacteria and other microbes.
Transformation Experiment in Bacteria
In the discovery of genetic material, the experiment conducted by Frederick Griffith on Streptococcus pneumonia proved to be a stepping stone.
Plasmids and Vectors
The DNA molecule that exists in a circular shape and is smaller in size which is capable of its replication is called Plasmids. In other words, it is called extra-chromosomal plasmid DNA. Vectors are the molecule which is capable of carrying genetic material which can be transferred into another cell and further carry out replication and expression. Plasmids can act as vectors.
Some synthetic biologists have proposed creating an entirely new, freeliving organism with a minimal genome, the smallest set of genes that allows for replication of the organism in a particular environment. This genome could be used to design and create, from “scratch,” novel organisms that might perform specific tasks, such as the breakdown of toxic materials in the environment.
Q. How might the minimal genome required for life be determined?
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