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How does genetic information turn a fertilized egg into a
multicellular organism? That's a question Associate Professor of
Chemical Engineering and Cargill Faculty Fellow John Yin is trying to
answer. As a starting point, he is studying how genetic information in
viruses, among the world's simplest organisms, helps them grow.
This knowledge could have a great impact on the field of chemical
engineering, which is built on the concept of unit
operations. "Industries as varied as petroleum, plastics,
pharmaceuticals and food depend on common processing units such as
reactors, distillers, extractors and heat exchangers," explains
Yin. Similarly, he says, viruses, cows, worms and humans share common
biochemical operations in processing their genetic information. Since
these operations sustain life, they tend to be both chemically complex
and robust. "By understanding the chemical and physical principles
behind genetic operations in viruses, one may gain insights for
process designs that impact a variety of industries," says Yin. "Over
the long term, our studies should also provide tools and perspectives
for understanding the design of more complex living systems."
Pictured: Yin and postdoctoral researcher Karen Duca preparing to grow
viruses.
Photo by Bob Rashid
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