Posted on 02/29/2020 5:11:57 AM PST by BenLurkin
The system, called ribosome synthesis and evolution (RISE), is an important step toward using ribosomes beyond their natural capabilities. The key feature of RISE is the ability to evolve ribosomes without cell viability constraints. The result could be new ways to synthesize materials, like nylon, or therapies, like new antibiotics that could address rising antibiotic resistance.
The ribosome is like the chef of translation, cooking up the synthesis of a diverse array of biopolymers, or proteins, that enable life. Researchers have already used the ribosome's ability to build proteins to develop new biopharmaceuticals, like insulin. But teaching ribosomes to cook "new cuisines," or make biopolymers that are new to nature, is difficult. Since the ribosome is required for the life of the cell, there are big constraints on how it can be altered.
Jewett and his group developed the new RISE system to overcome those cell viability constraints and ultimately repurpose the ribosome in ways that have never been possible before. By building DNA that encodes for ribosome mutants, the system can make hundreds of thousands of mutant ribosomes within hours. Using magnetic beads, researchers can then select ribosomes with functions that they want. This platform sets the stage to understand the fundamental constraints of the ribosome's active site and create new biopolymers that could transform society. Additionally, the method could potentially be used to manufacture new materials to improve soldier and police protection.
(Excerpt) Read more at phys.org ...
What, like bat soup..? :(
Scientists are playing God again, and using his evolution tool.
Something scary about putting mutated ribosomes in your body. Mutated ribosomes cause disease like cancer, among others. And passing them to the next generation doesn’t sound good either.
I’ll take a pass on that one, thankyouverymuch.
Does that mean we have to let millions of Ribosomes into the country to open restaurants?
Just doing the jobs American ribosomes won’t do.
But...but...we already invented edible panties
I guess they have figured out how to supply the ribosomes with the energy (ATP) to do their job.
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