Synthetic Biology — A Primer

Synthetic Biology — A Primer (Revised Edition) presents an updated overview of the field of synthetic biology and the foundational concepts on which it is built. This revised edition includes new literature references, working and updated URL links, plus some new figures and text where progress in the field has been made.

The book introduces readers to fundamental concepts in molecular biology and engineering and then explores the two major themes for synthetic biology, namely 'bottom-up' and 'top-down' engineering approaches. 'Top-down' engineering uses a conceptual framework of systematic design and engineering principles focused around the Design-Build-Test cycle and mathematical modelling. The 'bottom-up' approach involves the design and building of synthetic protocells using basic chemical and biochemical building blocks from scratch exploring the fundamental basis of living systems.

Examples of cutting-edge applications designed using synthetic biology principles are presented, including:

• the production of novel, microbial synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals
• the design and implementation of biosensors to detect infections and environmental waste.

The book also describes the Internationally Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, which brings together students and young researchers from around the world to carry out summer projects in synthetic biology. Finally, the primer includes a chapter on the ethical, legal and societal issues surrounding synthetic biology, illustrating the integration of social sciences into synthetic biology research.

Final year undergraduates, postgraduates and established researchers interested in learning about the interdisciplinary field of synthetic biology will benefit from this up-to-date primer on synthetic biology.

Sample Chapter(s)
Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology (814 KB)

• List of Contributors
• Preface
• Introduction to Biology
• Basic Concepts in Engineering Biology
• Foundational Technologies
• Minimal Cells and Synthetic Life
• Parts, Devices and Systems
• Modelling Synthetic Biology Systems
• Applications of Designed Biological Systems
• iGEM
• The Societal Impact of Synthetic Biology
• Appendices:
  • Proforma of Common Laboratory Techniques
  • Glossary
• Index