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.