Gene synthesis involves artificially constructing a gene in a lab, and a critical initial step is designing the gene sequence.
Here's a breakdown of the process, focusing on that initial critical design phase:
Designing the Optimal Gene Sequence
The first and arguably most important step in gene synthesis, according to the provided reference from December 1, 2023, involves designing the optimal gene sequence. This is done using specialized software algorithms. The process involves:
- Inputting the Target Protein Sequence: Researchers start by inputting the amino acid sequence of the target protein they want the gene to encode.
- Back-Translation into DNA Codon Sequences: The software then "back-translates" this protein sequence into DNA codon sequences that will encode it. This is a critical step because multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. The software optimizes codon usage for the intended organism to ensure efficient gene expression.
