Gene synthesis

Have you ever played with building blocks? Imagine that each block is like a letter in a word, and that these words form instructions on how to make something. In our bodies, these instructions are called genes, and they tell our body how to grow and function.

Sometimes, scientists want to create new genes that don't exist in nature. This is where gene synthesis comes in! It's like building a new set of instructions using blocks, but instead of blocks, scientists use tiny bits of chemical material called DNA.

To create a new gene, scientists first need to figure out what letters, or DNA bases, to put in their new instructions. They do this by studying existing genes and deciding what parts they want to keep and what parts they want to change.

Next, they assemble the DNA bases into the new instructions. This can be done by a machine that carefully adds each DNA base in the right order. Think of it like a robot that puts each block in the right spot to create a specific shape.

Once the new instructions are assembled, the scientists need to make sure that the gene actually works. They do this by putting it into a cell, like a tiny factory. If the gene works, it will tell the cell to make a specific protein.

Overall, gene synthesis is like building a new set of instructions for our bodies to follow, using tiny pieces of materials. It's like building a new toy with blocks, but instead of a toy, scientists are creating new genes that could be used to help us cure diseases or create new medicines.