Synthetic Biology - A Primer (Revised Edition)

by Paul Simon Freemont, Richard I Kitney

Overview

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 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781783268795
Publisher:	Imperial College Press
Publication date:	10/16/2015
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	196
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.70(h) x 0.40(d)

Table of Contents

List of Contributors ix

Preface xiii

Chapter 1 Introduction to Biology 1

Chapter 2 Basic Concepts in Engineering Biology 19

Chapter 3 Foundational Technologies 41

Chapter 4 Minimal Cells and Synthetic Life 61

Chapter 5 Parts, Devices and Systems 73

Chapter 6 Modelling Synthetic Biology Systems 89

Chapter 7 Applications of Designed Biological Systems 109

Chapter 8 iGEM 119

Chapter 9 The Societal Impact of Synthetic Biology 131

Appendix 1 Proforma of Common Laboratory Techniques 151

Appendix 2 Glossary 161

Index 171