DNA Synthesis.docx

DNA Synthesis (Automated synthesis) Artificial gene synthesis does not require a preexisting DNA sequence. Indeed, it is now possible to synthesise entire designer genes \"de novo\", without the need for precursor template DNA or even the existance in nature of that DNA. Synthesis of the first com...

DNA Synthesis (Automated synthesis) Artificial gene synthesis does not require a preexisting DNA sequence. Indeed, it is now possible to synthesise entire designer genes \"de novo\", without the need for precursor template DNA or even the existance in nature of that DNA. Synthesis of the first complete gene, (coded for a yeast tRNA), was demonstrated by Khorana and coworkers in 1972. Subsequently Boyer synthesised the first peptide-coding gene and Markham later synthesised the first protein-coding gene. Using machines built by companies such as Gen9 it is possible to make a completely synthetic DNA molecule with no apparent limits on either nucleotide sequence or size. The method is economical when compared to alternatives and is commonly used for DNA comprised of between 500-10,00 base pairs. The method has been used to generate functional bacterial chromosomes containing approximately one million base pairs. Recent research also suggests the possibility of creating aditonal nucleobase pairs in addition to the two natural base pairs could greatly expand the possibility of synthesizing new genes and therby new proteins for medicine, industry, etc. These novel base pairs could extend the number of amino acids from the existing 20 (found in natural proteins) to a theoretically possible 172. Artificial gene synthesis has become an important tool in many fields of recombinant DNA technology including transgenics, vaccine development, gene therapy and molecular engineering. In March 2014, research scientists in Jef Boeke\'s group in the Langone Medical Centre at New York University, reported in a paper in the Journal Science that his team was able to synthesize one of the Sacromyces cerevisiae 16 yeast chromosomes, the chromosome III. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNA\_interference