Photo reference: https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2011/07/08/synthetic-biology-creating-new-forms-of-life/
Synthetic biology, what is it?
Synthetic biology is the manipulation of organisms to tackle a variety of problems with the use of nature.
In the scientific discipline of synthetic biology, organisms are redesigned for practical uses by being given new abilities. Researchers and businesses working in synthetic biology are using nature's strength to overcome challenges in agriculture, manufacturing, and medicine.
Common objectives of synthetic biology projects include redesigning organisms to produce a substance, such as a drug or fuel, or to enable them to acquire a new capability, such as the capacity to detect something in their surroundings.
Genome editing vs synthetic biology
Synthetic biology and another process known as "genome editing" both require altering an organism's genetic code, although some individuals distinguish between the two methods based on how that alteration is accomplished. In synthetic biology, large segments of DNA are often stitched together and inserted into the genome of an organism. These synthetic DNA strands may contain genes that are already present in other creatures or they may be completely new. In genome editing, tools are often used to make more minor alterations to the organism's DNA. Smaller regions of DNA in the genome can also be added or removed using techniques for genome editing.
Synthetic biology today
The field of synthetic biology is growing quickly as a result of improved genetic engineering capabilities and reduced DNA synthesis and sequencing costs. In 2016, there were over 350 companies actively utilizing synthetic biology in 40 different countries; the estimated net worth of all of these companies is estimated to be $3.9 billion.
Synthetic biology research projects include the following examples:
Removing pollutants from our water, soil, and air by using microorganisms for bioremediation.
Rice that has been altered produces beta-carotene, a chemical generally associated with carrots that prevents vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency causes between 250,000 and 500,000 children to lose their vision each year, dramatically increasing their risk of contracting infectious diseases.
Yeast has been developed to make rose oil as a sustainable and ecologically friendly substitute for the fresh roses that perfumers need to create expensive scents.
Ethical dilemmas
Synthetic biology has raised ethical questions that are now being explored include both the production of new life and the alteration of pre-existing life.
-The creation of life
The morality of creating new life forms, frequently referred to as "playing God," is one ethical issue. The creation of new life forms that are not found in nature is currently accomplished on a small scale, the potential advantages and risks are yet unclear, and careful evaluation and oversight are made for the majority of investigations. Numerous supporters highlight the enormous potential usefulness of generating artificial life forms for various industries, including agriculture, medicine, and academic research. Science may learn more via the creation of new beings than it does presently through the study of natural events.
However, there is concern that the existence of artificial life forms could lessen the "purity" of nature (i.e., nature might be significantly damaged by human intervention and manipulation) and possibly lead to the adoption of more engineering-like principles rather than biodiversity- and nature-focused ideals. Some people are also worried that the introduction of an artificial life form into the environment might reduce biodiversity by competing with natural species for resources. Another issue is how newly created beings should be treated morally if they happen to have self-awareness, consciousness, and pain sensitivity. There is constant discussion over whether or not such living forms should be given moral or legal rights, but there is no agreement on how these rights would be implemented or upheld.
Conclusion
Synthetic biology is an intriguing field with large amounts of potential, but should be carefully managed and monitored to avoid potential harm to both human and animal life.
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