Synthetic Biology
Synthetic biology is an engineering-driven discipline that applies principles of design and standardisation to build new biological parts, devices, and systems, or to redesign existing natural biological systems for useful purposes. It integrates molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and systems biology to create standardised genetic "parts" (BioBricks), gene circuits that behave like logic gates, and entirely synthetic genomes. Applications include engineering microbes to produce biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials, as well as creating biosensors and living diagnostics.
Hierarchy of Synthetic Biology Components
| Level | Component | Description | Analogy | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parts | BioBrick | Standardised DNA sequence with defined function | Electronic component | Constitutive promoter (BBa_J23100) |
| Devices | Gene circuit | Combination of parts performing a logic operation | Circuit module | Toggle switch, oscillator |
| Systems | Metabolic pathway | Engineered multi-gene pathway in a chassis | Subsystem | Artemisinin biosynthesis in yeast |
| Chassis | Host organism | Minimal or re-engineered organism | Circuit board | E. coli DH10B, S. cerevisiae |
| Orthogonality | Insulated module | Device that does not cross-react with host | Shielded module | Orthogonal ribosomes |
Interactive Tools
iGEM Registry of Standard Biological Parts
Browse thousands of characterised BioBrick parts submitted by research teams worldwide
Open ToolBenchling (Molecular Biology Platform)
Design, simulate, and collaborate on synthetic biology constructs and workflows
Open ToolAddgene Synthetic Biology Resources
Access plasmids and protocols for common synthetic biology tools and gene circuits
Open Tool
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Related Terms
Systems Biology
Systems biology is an integrative, holistic approach to understanding biological organisms by studying the complex interactions among components — genes, proteins, metabolites, and cells — rather than examining them in isolation. It combines high-throughput experimental data (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) with mathematical modelling, network analysis, and computational simulation to predict emergent behaviours of living systems. Applications include understanding drug resistance, modelling disease progression, and designing synthetic gene circuits.
Recombinant DNA
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is artificially engineered DNA formed by joining sequences from two or more different organisms using molecular biology techniques such as restriction endonucleases and DNA ligase. The resulting hybrid molecule can be introduced into a host cell where it replicates and, if properly constructed, directs the synthesis of a desired protein. rDNA technology underlies the production of medicines such as human insulin, erythropoietin, and growth hormone.
Metabolomics
Metabolomics is the systematic, large-scale study of small-molecule metabolites (< ~1500 Da) — such as amino acids, lipids, sugars, and organic acids — present in a biological sample, reflecting the downstream functional output of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic changes. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to chromatography are the primary analytical platforms, capable of detecting hundreds to thousands of metabolites simultaneously. Metabolomics is applied in biomarker discovery, drug toxicology, nutritional science, and understanding metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
From Greek "synthetikos" (putting together) + Latin "biologia" (study of life). The modern field was formally defined at a 2000 conference; the term gained widespread use after Drew Endy, George Church, and Jay Keasling published landmark work in the early 2000s.