Genetic engineering involves the transfer of genes from one organism to another. The organism that donates the genes and the organism receiving the genes are usually different species. This process allows scientists to breed plants with desirable and beneficial traits, such as increased insect resistance or an increased tolerance for drought. Genetic engineering differs from synthetic biology because it involves implanting a gene or a few genes into the DNA chain that causes some change in the original organism.
Synthetic Biology is genetic engineering taken to the next level. With synthetic biology, scientists focus on the whole system of genes and gene products. Instead of looking at a single gene expression and its pathway, as is done with genetic engineering, synthetic biology focuses on how all the genes work together. In doing this, scientists hope to understand how a biological organism works in its entirety. One aspect of synthetic biology involves scientists trying to modify the behavior of organisms and engineer them to perform new tasks.
Synthetic biology and genetic engineering have much in common. Currently scientists in both fields are trying to develop practical uses of this technology in the biosynthesis of pharmaceutical chemicals and new drugs, bio fuels and ways of detecting pollution.
