Directed evolution

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Directed Evolution

Directed evolution (pronounced: dih-REK-ted ee-vuh-LOO-shun) is a method used in protein engineering that mimics the process of natural selection to guide the evolution of proteins or nucleic acids toward a user-defined goal. The process involves generating a library of random variants of these molecules, then testing them for desired qualities and selecting the best ones to be used to create the next generation.

Etymology

The term "directed evolution" comes from the concept of directing the evolution of proteins or nucleic acids toward a specific goal, as opposed to the random nature of natural evolution. The term was first used in this context in the late 20th century.

Related Terms

  • Protein Engineering: The process of developing useful or valuable proteins. It is a young discipline, with much research taking place into the understanding of protein folding and recognition for protein design principles.
  • Natural Selection: The differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype. It is a key mechanism of evolution.
  • Nucleic Acids: Nucleic acids are biopolymers, or small biomolecules, essential to all known forms of life. They are composed of nucleotides, which are the monomers made of three components: a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base.
  • Proteins: Proteins are large biomolecules, or macromolecules, consisting of one or more long chains of amino acid residues.

See Also

External links

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