Re: [DIYbio] Genetic Engineering Basics

We like to teach/think of molecular interactions as a hand fitting
into a glove, or a key into a lock. Where bonds in a molecule are give
it a pretty defined 3D structure, and the type of atoms in that
structure help to define where the electrons are, which influence the
3D electron cloud structure. Opposites attract, meaning electrons are
attracted to lack-of-electrons (+ charge, AKA holes).

In general, eukaryotes are different enough evolutionarily some common
parts are just quite different, even though they have the same
function.

If you know cars, it would be like asking why can't you use the same
crankshaft from and Otto cycle gasoline engine in a Mazda RX-7 rotary
engine. They both burn gasoline and output rotary power to a shaft,
but internally they've evolved in a much different fashion.

Lots of smart folks are trying to figure out these differences so they
can re-engineer compatibility.

On Thu, Oct 25, 2012 at 2:45 PM, Chowe <c9howe@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I have a very basic understanding of genetic engineering, I understand how
> genes are extracted and transferred and expressed. My question is what is
> the barrier between expressing genes from one organism into another? From my
> understanding, the main problem in expressing the lux operon in plants is
> due to the genes originally being expressed in bacteria. But I have also
> read about bacteria genes being expressed in mammalian cells. Do all genes
> need to be codon optimized for any chance of being expressed? For example I
> have a pVIB vector, can I only express that vector in bacteria? Or can I
> express that vector in fruit flies as well? Lastly, what makes a plasmid
> backbone different from species to species that I can only express it in
> that specific species (like expressing a bacteria vector in a mammal cell)?
> Thanks
>
> Corey
>
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--
-Nathan

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