Directed evolution is the synthetic process of expediting the process of evolution of molecules and systems. This bio-engineering tool has become vital in the improved function of proteins, metabolic pathways, and even whole genomes; this process designs proteins with the most desirable traits. Individuals are not able to evolve themselves, so naturally, evolution is a very slow process that is only able to occur over several generations. While directed evolution can speed up this process, it only occurs on a small scale. Directed evolution generates a variety of random mutations in the gene of interest (goi) and does not require information on protein structure.
Now, with this short overview of what directed evolution actually is, you may be wondering what specifically is edited or designed through this process.
Firstly, the process of directed evolution can be used to change the substrate specificity of enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that can be activated or deactivated upon the bonding of a substrate molecule to the active site of the enzyme.
The substrate specificity of an enzyme is altered through this process to introduce new chemical or physical properties. Through a directed Evolution experiment, scientists are able to increase the abundance of a desired phenotype (an observable characteristic). While these desired phenotypes are increased in abundance, the unfavorable characteristics become extinct; the favorable traits outweigh the unfavorable. One specific desirable characteristic of proteins is protein stability at high temperatures. Usually, at high temperatures, proteins begin to denature (lose their shape) because of the lack of protein stability. This loss of the protein's shape leads to the substrate not being able to properly bind to the enzyme's active site. If the substrate is not able to properly bind to the enzyme and complete the enzyme-substrate complex, the enzyme is no longer able to properly perform its function.
The process of directed evolution is primarily the alterations of proteins on a small scale. It will surely, and very soon, become a widely known process that will continue to bring great change to bioengineering. Overall, scientists will be able to develop new molecules more rapidly.
Works Cited
“Directed Evolution - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.” Www.sciencedirect.com, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/directed-evolution.
Esvelt, Kevin. “Speeding up Directed Evolution of Molecules in the Lab – MIT Media Lab.” MIT Media Lab, 2021, www.media.mit.edu/articles/speeding-up-directed-evolution-of-molecules-in-the-lab/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
Henry, Brad. “Top 5 Synthetic Biology Innovations and Latest Technologies.” Www.wellspring.com, 16 May 2023, www.wellspring.com/blog/top-5-synthetic-biology-innovations-and-latest-technologies.
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