Davidson College Synthetic Biology Seminar (Fall 2007)
Davidson College Synthetic Biology Seminar, Fall 2007
Click here to access the class webpage
Summarize what synthetic biology is
Synthetic Biology is the re-design of existing biological systems and components and the fabrication of novel biological systems and components.
List of topics covered with links to them
Other interesting images and/or information.
Stochasticity in Gene Expression- Mike Waters- Stochasticity in gene expression
My paper will cover a characterization, implications, and ways to manipulate of stochastic processes during gene expression.
Post-transcriptional Regulation Technologies - Erin Zwack
Using regulatory RNA, gene expression can now be controlled at the stage after transcription but before translation.
Synthetic Cellular Memory - Will DeLoache
Synthetic cellular memory refers to the engineering of living organisms to produce a protracted response to a transient stimulus. The construction of such rationally designed memory mechanisms in living organisms promises a more thorough understanding of naturally occurring gene networks. In the future, modular cellular memory networks will likely be a key component of many synthetic biological designs, ranging from biocomputing to engineered cell differentiation.
Medical Applications of Synthetic Biology - Samantha Simpson
Medical applications of synthetic biology range from treating cancer, creating low-cost medication, protecting from DNA damage, and using biological vectors as vaccines. My paper explores these current collaborations between medicine and synthetic biology, and the challenges and benefits to come in the future.
Logic gates are computing units that perform a logical function on one or more inputs to produce a single output. Synthetic biologists use various cellular regulation mechanisms (transcription, translation, etc.) to create modular gene expression devices that can be combined in order to engineer cells that perform increasingly complex tasks.
Promoters and Reporters in Synthetic Biology - Laura Voss
Key to the construction of gene circuits and biosensors are promoter and reporter genes, which control how a cell's genes are transcribed when the cell's environment changes. In addition to using promoters and reporters as available to build cellular machines, synthetic biologists can also alter, redesign, or engineer these genetic components in order to refine biological design.
Applications of Ribozymes in Synthetic Systems - Danielle Jordan
