CH391L/S13/Metagenomics & Bioprospecting: Difference between revisions
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==Introduction & Relation to Synthetic Biology== | ==Introduction & Relation to Synthetic Biology== | ||
Many definitions for synthetic biology exist and they continue to evolve. One aspect or definition states that synthetic biology is the application of engineering principles to biological systems. Semantics aside, one must consider the concepts to which these labels are applied. Metagenomics and bioprospecting are so-called umbrella terms that cover vast activities in the field of biological research. | Many definitions for synthetic biology exist and they continue to evolve. One aspect or definition states that synthetic biology is the application of engineering principles to biological systems. Semantics aside, one must consider the concepts to which these labels are applied. Metagenomics and bioprospecting are so-called umbrella terms that cover vast activities in the field of biological research. It is possible to view metagenomics and bioprospecting as different sides of the same coin where the two different sides or aspects are basic and applied research. As the basic science aspect, metagenomics is driven by the accumulation of genetic information from a broad range of environmental samples. Conversely, bioprospecting is application-driven with the ultimate goal of discovering commercially relevant material. | ||
==Metagenomics: Biological Data Mining== | ==Metagenomics: Biological Data Mining== | ||
Consideration of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_organisation biological organization] greatly assists understanding the meaning of metagenomics. Within that conceptual framework, metagenomics would be a higher level aspect in genetic hierarchy such as the population or community tiers. Generally, metagenomics refers to the sum of all genetic information present in an environmental sample. | |||
==Bioprospecting: Hunting for Utility in Nature== | ==Bioprospecting: Hunting for Utility in Nature== | ||
Revision as of 22:15, 17 February 2013
Introduction & Relation to Synthetic Biology
Many definitions for synthetic biology exist and they continue to evolve. One aspect or definition states that synthetic biology is the application of engineering principles to biological systems. Semantics aside, one must consider the concepts to which these labels are applied. Metagenomics and bioprospecting are so-called umbrella terms that cover vast activities in the field of biological research. It is possible to view metagenomics and bioprospecting as different sides of the same coin where the two different sides or aspects are basic and applied research. As the basic science aspect, metagenomics is driven by the accumulation of genetic information from a broad range of environmental samples. Conversely, bioprospecting is application-driven with the ultimate goal of discovering commercially relevant material.
Metagenomics: Biological Data Mining
Consideration of biological organization greatly assists understanding the meaning of metagenomics. Within that conceptual framework, metagenomics would be a higher level aspect in genetic hierarchy such as the population or community tiers. Generally, metagenomics refers to the sum of all genetic information present in an environmental sample.
