What Defines Synthetic Bacteria and Their Natural Identities?

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SUMMARY

Synthetic bacteria, such as those developed by the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), are defined by their synthetic genomes, which are created using DNA synthesis machines and lab chemistry techniques. The M. mycoides synthetic genome serves as a prime example, featuring a near-exact replica of a natural genome with added "watermark" DNA for identification. While some unnecessary DNA may be deleted, the core structure remains largely intact, emphasizing the balance between synthetic creation and natural identity. The JCVI's ongoing research into minimal genomes aims to delete excess DNA while ensuring the bacteria can still self-replicate and grow.

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phylotree
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Synthetic bacteria have been created, which isn't new anymore,
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/21/science/21cell.html

But I don't know how to correctly define "synthetic" in this work. Are those synthetic bacteria possessing complete identities as those in nature ? Did they try out the bacteria's most observable behaviors ? I am interested in cooperative activities in bacteria reproduction and replication.
 
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The M. mycoides synthetic genome is considered "synthetic" because the DNA used began in a DNA synthesis machine, using lab chemistry techniques to produce it. The actual genome was pretty much a replica of the natural one, with some "watermark" DNA added to uniquely identify it by the creators (like the watermark on money, or the signature on a work of art).

If i remember correctly they may have deleted some DNA that they considered unnecessary, but it was largely just like copy-paste.

The same folks, JCVI, have also been interested for a while in a minimal genome, and had talked of deleting as much DNA as possible while still retaining self-replication and growth of cells.
 

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