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Fundamental facts of synthetic biology
 The Central DogmaSynthetic biology is a scientific discipline where multi-gene DNA sequences are added to well-characterized organisms in order to understand biological behavior or to achieve a pre-determined function. It has many applications in therapeutics, biosensors, bioenergy, bioremediation, chemicals, etc., and revolves around the central dogma of biology which involves converting DNA to RNA via transcription, and converting RNA to proteins via translation. | Engineering PartsParts are DNA sequences that contain primitive elements of biological function (ex. protein coding sequences, promoter sequences). Parts engineering refers to engineering or optimizing these different biological primitives to generate new user-defined functions. Genetic Devices are collections of parts that encode for a user-defined function. For example, a simple genetic device would be a promoter, a RBS, a gene and a terminator. One can increase the complexity of devices and modulate genetic f | What are Biobricks?Biobricks are standard biological parts. They are used in iGEM and, in general, in synthetic biology. Biobricks are DNA strands that can perform any function. Thanks to their modularily and stardardization, they will make the design and cloning of your plasmid easier. |
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A model organismTechnically any organism’s genome can be modified and re-engineered; however, typically more robust biological chassis or organisms, such as yeast and E. coli, are used. They can accept the different parts and devices readily and the BioBricks are optimized for these organisms. | Basic techniques used in iGEMThere are a few major lab techniques needed to conduct synthetic biology experiments, which include PCR (including primer design), restriction digests, gel electrophoresis, gel extraction, ligation and transformation. |
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