Global InformationMetagenics information
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The word metagenics uses the prefix meta and the suffix gen. Literally, it means "the creation of something which creates". In the context of biotechnology, metagenics is the practice of engineering organisms to create a specific enzyme, protein, or other biochemicals from simpler starting materials. The genetic engineering of E. coli with the specific task of producing human insulin from starting amino acids is an example. E. coli has also been engineered to digest plant biomass and use it to produce hydrocarbons in order to synthesize biofuels. The applications of metagenics on E. coli also include higher alcohols, fatty-acid based chemicals and terpenes.[1]
- ^ Bokinsky, Gregory; Peralta-Yahya, Pamela P.; George, Anthe; Holmes, Bradley M.; Steen, Eric J.; Dietrich, Jeffrey; Lee, Taek Soon; Tullman-Ercek, Danielle; Voigt, Christopher A. (2011-12-13). "Synthesis of three advanced biofuels from ionic liquid-pretreated switchgrass using engineered Escherichia coli". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 108 (50): 19949–19954. Bibcode:2011PNAS..10819949B. doi:10.1073/pnas.1106958108. ISSN 0027-8424. PMC 3250153. PMID 22123987.