Abstract
We do not master DNA’s language yet, but the recent biotechnological advances have enable us to edit genome sequences pretty much the way a text editor modifies written language. In this Chapter, we contextualize our results, and argue that they should be taken in account whenever Synthetic Biology creates artificial DNA sequences.
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- 1.
If we consider viruses as a life form, then we should include RNA as well, in which case Thymine is replaced by Uracil (U).
- 2.
The analogy is not fully applicable. Hardwares are supposed to be unchangeable regardless their softwares; yet it is possible to change one species to another just replacing its genome [63].
- 3.
Biological pathways.
- 4.
Deleting and inserting DNA sequences wherever we want. The latest technology behind this is called CRISPR-CAS9. Originally, CRISPR-CAS9 is a prokaryotic system of defense, and it may be considered a genuine Lamarckian mechanism of evolution [58]. After been ridiculed for so long, Lamarck (1744–1829) is back [16].
- 5.
Regulation for such godlike power is encouraged [1].
- 6.
On May 13 2016, the New York Times published the article: “Scientists talk privately about creating a synthetic human genome.”
- 7.
“Artificial” in the sense of “not found in nature.”
- 8.
Avoiding mistake is one way to prevent disaster; however, little can be done to prevent an intentional catastrophe.
- 9.
Or vice-versa.
- 10.
Unfortunately, this evidence could not be assessed neither for nor against our hypothesis, because Dr. Venter’s group did not make their synthetic sequences publicly available.
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Yamagishi, M.E.B. (2017). Introduction. In: Mathematical Grammar of Biology. SpringerBriefs in Mathematics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62689-5_1
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