Essential role of genetics in the advancement of biotechnology.
Microorganisms are one of the greatest sources of metabolic and enzymatic diversity. In recent years, emerging recombinant DNA and genomic techniques have facilitated the development of new efficient expression systems, modification of biosynthetic pathways leading to new metabolites by metabolic engineering, and enhancement of catalytic properties of enzymes by directed evolution. Complete sequencing of industrially important microbial genomes is taking place very rapidly and there are already hundreds of genomes sequenced. Functional genomics and proteomics are major tools used in the search for new molecules and development of higher-producing strains.
Charles A. Dana Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti, Drew University, Madison, NJ, USA. ademain@drew.edu
Arnold L
AL
Demain
José L
JL
Adrio
D000818:Animals; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002460:Cell Line; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D055442:Metabolome; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000378:metabolism; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011994:Recombinant Proteins