| We view this patent application as groundbreaking. | | | | Disclosed in this application is a minimalist form of |
| The application discloses the synthesis of a minimal | | | | Mycoplasma genitalium wherein the set of |
| genome and the transfer of same into a host so as | | | | protein-coding genes is smaller than the complete |
| to create a new life form. The invention portends | | | | complement of genes found in natural Mycoplasma |
| the use of engineered microorganisms for energy | | | | genitalium (482 genes), the smallest known set of |
| production and the sequestering of carbon dioxide. | | | | naturally occurring genes in a free-living organism. |
| This application relates specifically to the identification | | | | One aspect of the invention is a minimal set of |
| of non-essential genes of bacteria, and of a minimal | | | | protein-coding genes that provides the information |
| gene set required to support the viability of a | | | | required for replication of a free-living organism. The |
| free-living organism. By a "minimal gene set" is meant | | | | genes in a set of the invention may constitute a |
| the minimal set of genes whose expression allows | | | | chromosome or synthetic chromosome. |
| the viability (e.g., survival, growth, replication, | | | | Another claimed aspect of the invention is a method |
| proliferation, etc.) of a free-living organism. | | | | of hydrogen or ethanol production, comprising |
| One consequence of progress in the field of | | | | growing a free-living organism of the invention that |
| synthetic biology is an emerging view of cells as | | | | comprises at least one gene involved in hydrogen or |
| assemblages of parts that can be put together to | | | | ethanol production, in a suitable medium such that |
| produce an organism with a desired phenotype. | | | | hydrogen or ethanol is produced. |