Knowing what your parents have gives you hints of things, but your genome is a totally unique combination of and interchange of DNA from your parents. There is no one else like you genetically.
Genome design is going to be a key part of the future. That's why we need fast, cheap, accurate DNA synthesis, so you can make a lot of iterations of something and test them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The future of innovation in genetics relies on affordable and precise DNA synthesis to enable extensive experimentation.
In this quote, Craig Venter emphasizes the critical role of genome design in shaping the future of scientific advancements. He stresses the importance of having fast, cheap, and accurate DNA synthesis capabilities, which will allow scientists to create numerous variations of genetic sequences and test their functionalities efficiently. This iterative process is essential for breakthroughs in areas like medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve through genetic engineering.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about the future of biotechnology, one might use this quote to underline the role of genome design.
More from Craig Venter
All quotes →We're moving from reading the genetic code to writing it.
A doctor can save maybe a few hundred lives in a lifetime. A researcher can save the whole world.
The Anthropocentic Age - the first age in which humankind is the dominant species on the planet - cuts both ways: it is up to us to destroy or save the planet. We certainly have the ability.
Genomics are about individuals. It's about what's specific to you, not your siblings, not your parents - each of us is totally unique. We will only see that uniqueness by drilling down to the genetic code.
Now that we can read and write the genetic code, put it in digital form and translate it back into synthesized life, it will be possible to speed up biological evolution to the pace of social evolution.
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