Researchers developed a method to build entire synthetic bacteriophage genomes and to edit single genes. The work aims to help as antibacterial resistance grows. The team modelled their synthetic DNA on two natural phages that attack Mycobacterium and reported the results in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
High GC DNA (about 65% G and C) causes problems for traditional synthesis methods. The group, including Graham Hatfull, Greg Lohman and Ansa Biotech, chemically made genomes identical to two phages. They built each genome in 12 sections and put the sections into a cell. The cell followed the new genome and produced phages. Synthetic genomes could speed matching and reduce the need to keep many physical samples.
Difficult words
- researcher — A person who studies or tests thingsResearchers
- synthetic — Made by people, not made by nature
- bacteriophage — A virus that infects and kills bacteria
- genome — All the DNA information in one organismgenomes
- synthesis — The process of making something in a lab
- antibacterial — Something that kills or stops bacteria growing
- model — To make a copy or simple versionmodelled
- produce — To make or create something from a planproduced
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think making synthetic genomes is useful? Why?
- Which is better: keeping physical samples or using synthetic genomes? Why?
- How could synthetic genomes help with antibacterial resistance?
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