Artificial species are about to make their debut
http://news.sina.com.cn/w/2007-06-09/074011988076s.shtml
http://www.sina.com.cn 2007年06月09日07:40 Sichuan Online – Huaxi Metropolis Daily
According to a report on the 8th by American media, several American biologists are using the method of synthetic biology to synthesize the smallest and simplest genome from DNA fragments carrying specific genetic codes, and then implant that genome into bacteria from which the genetic code has already been removed, thereby forming a new microorganism. At present, this new artificial species is about to come into being.
According to reports, the scientist leading this research is named Venter, and he has long been devoted to artificially creating new microorganisms at an institute in Maryland. Venter said that what they are using is the method of synthetic biology—synthesizing the smallest and simplest genome from DNA fragments carrying specific genetic codes, and then implanting that genome into bacteria from which the genetic code has already been removed, thereby forming a new microorganism. This bacterium can absorb carbon dioxide, reduce the greenhouse effect, and can also produce hydrogen and bioenergy. Venter also said that at present the experiment is “almost successful.” Some scientists, meanwhile, believe that the significance of the first artificial species to appear is even greater than the birth of the cloned sheep “Dolly.” Quoted from China Daily
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Venter again—this time, he has truly made a startling move.
Evolutionary biology has yet to produce a single incontrovertible example of a new species coming into being. Neither animals and plants that have been domesticated for tens of thousands of years, nor microorganisms artificially cultivated in laboratories, have given rise to any new species. Creating a new species through genetic engineering is not easy; at most, then, what may possibly succeed is a microorganism, while something a bit more complex, such as a eukaryote, does not evolve merely through gene mutation. Mutualistic symbiosis plays a key role in evolution. But even so, if one can at least produce a new species of microorganism, that is sensational enough.
But are species of microorganisms the same thing as species of animals and plants? I have not studied this much and am not clear about it. Animal species, according to Mayr, are defined by whether mating and reproduction occur under natural conditions, but microorganisms are of course not like that. Even if the synthesis succeeds, I still have some doubts as to whether it can really be called a new species.
To make a new bacterium and then insist on talking about benefits such as reducing the greenhouse effect—really, making this thing has no practical significance whatsoever. It is nothing more than, like the Apollo lunar-landing program, a way to bolster human arrogance. In fact, no matter how “artificial” a species may be, it ultimately still relies on the wisdom of nature. How dangerous is this kind of research? Might an artificial bacterium spread uncontrollably and alter the entire ecosystem? Even if one says it can absorb carbon dioxide, could even a slight loss of control break the balance of the microbial world and cause an ecological disaster? One must know that the true master and controller of the Earth’s ecosystem is microorganisms; once the microbial world falls out of balance, the consequences would be unimaginable……
Translated from the Chinese original with AI assistance. The original text is authoritative.
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