From Physorg Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute TS

From Phys.org: \"Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have announced the development of the first stable semisynthetic organism. Building on their 2014 study in which they synthesized a DNA base pair, the researchers created a new bacterium that uses the four natural bases (called A, T, C and G), which every living organism possesses, but that also holds as a pair two synthetic bases called X and Y in its genetic code.\"

Read the following articles and answer the below questions

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38737693

https://phys.org/news/2017-01-scientists-stable-semisynthetic.html

http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2017/01/17/1616443114

1) Ideas for use?

2) Based on what little information we have about this research, what ideas do you have that could exploit this type of new genetic system?

Solution

Ideas for use:

ATGC forms the basis for the life, as these four natural bases which pair to form the double helix of the DNA of an organism. This genetic system is the genetic code, which has been modified by the Scripps researech Institute in a study on first stable semisynthetic organism which constitutes 4 natural bases and A-T-G-C and two synthetic bases i..e X and Y. Studies on E.coli in 2014 showed incompetence on behalf of the bacterium to hold on to the synthetic base pairs as they recplicated. This has been acieved in 2016 where due to incorporation of nucleotide transporter which enabled copying of X and Y on the cell membrane. Both nucleotide transporter and Y base pair were modified so as to achieve semi-synthetic base pairs capable of successful replication of them. CRISPR-Cas9 used in human genome editing experiments, takes fragments from the bacteria or viral genome and is capable of directing enzyme attack.

Its usage is anticipated in the drug formulation industry.

They can be induced into organisms to give new properties. They can be used potentially to manufacture drugs.

Synthetic proteins may be studied for their properties, where in they can reach cells which natural protein may not be able to.

2) This system as mentioned so far has been applied to single celled organisms preferably bacteria. It could have great application, when studied on higher organisms.

This new genetic system can be induced into the cells and may change or bring in new funtions within the cell.

The E.coli with the semi-synthetic genetic code, multiplies and grows faster which can be exploited for development of novel proteins.

Usage of the semisynthetic genetic system to store more information and also faithfully retain the information, and to be able to pass on the genetic compostion generation after generation.