Synthetic biology
Japanese: 合成生物学
A field that designs and constructs biological functions using engineering approaches. Through designing genetic circuits and modifying metabolic pathways, it aims to create microorganisms with new functions.
Synthetic biology is a field that designs and constructs biological functions using engineering approaches. 'Reading' (genome analysis), 'writing' (DNA synthesis), 'editing' (genome editing)—combining these technologies, it aims to create microorganisms with functions not found in nature.
Precision fermentation is one application. By introducing genes that produce target proteins into microorganisms, substances previously obtainable only from animals or plants can be made by microbes. Technology for producing milk proteins in yeast is already advancing toward practical use.
Against the tradition of fermentation, synthetic biology points to the future. Yet whether we 'imitate nature' or 'design nature'—where to draw that line is a question not only of science but also of ethics and philosophy.
The era of 'making' microorganisms has arrived. We must continue to question what that means.