London, Sept 15 (ANI): Scientists have replaced the DNA in the arm of a yeast chromosome with computer-designed, synthetically produced DNA, to pave the way for on-demand "evolution" of organisms.
The cells adopted the new genetic code as part of their normal cellular machinery and, to the scientists' surprise, appeared as healthy as their natural counterparts.
"The feat is a big step towards the manufacture of completely synthetic organisms that could be designed to churn out biofuels, vaccines and industrial chemicals," Jef Boeke, who led the study at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland told the Guardian.
"We have created a research tool that not only lets us learn more about yeast biology, but also holds out the possibility of someday designing genomes for specific purposes, like making new vaccines or medications," he added.
Built into the synthetic chromosomes are genetic sequences that, when triggered by a chemical, dramatically rearrange the organism's genes.
The technique, known as genome scrambling, allows scientists to accelerate the evolution of the organisms on demand, by creating thousands of new strains and collecting the best survivors.
The yeast cells' genetic makeover is modest, amounting to changes in only one percent of the organism's entire genome.
The advance was made possible by powerful techniques that have emerged from rapid developments in genetics, computing and synthetic chemistry.
The study has been published in the journal Nature. (ANI)
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