Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
08:23
Finite Element Modelling of a Cellular Electric Microenvironment
Published on: May 18, 2021
Towards a circuit engineering discipline
1Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford 94305, USA. mcadams@cmgm.stanford.edu
Current Biology : CB
|May 10, 2000
Summary
Engineered genetic circuits can perform complex functions. Combining forward engineering with directed evolution may be necessary to achieve natural circuit robustness.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic biology
- Genetic engineering
- Systems biology
Background:
- Current genetic circuit engineering allows for moderately complex functions and predictable dynamics.
- Naturally occurring biological circuits exhibit remarkable robustness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the combination of forward engineering and directed evolution for enhancing genetic circuit robustness.
Main Methods:
- Engineering of genetic circuits with specific functions.
- Application of directed evolution techniques to improve circuit performance.
Main Results:
- Engineered genetic circuits demonstrate moderate complexity and predictable behavior.
- The study suggests a potential pathway to achieve robustness comparable to natural circuits.
Conclusions:
- Forward engineering techniques are advancing genetic circuit capabilities.
- Integrating directed evolution with forward engineering may be crucial for achieving robust synthetic genetic circuits.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Electric Circuit Elements
Circuit elements are the basic building blocks of an electric circuit. Essentially, an electric circuit is the interconnection of these elements. Within electric circuits, one can find two types of elements: passive and active. Active elements have the ability to generate energy, whereas passive elements do not. Passive elements include components like resistors, capacitors, and inductors, while active elements typically encompass generators, batteries, and operational amplifiers.
The most...
The most...
01:14Circuit Terminology
An electrical network is a system composed of interconnected elements, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and voltage or current sources. Unlike a circuit, an electrical network does not necessarily form a closed path. In other words, while all circuits can be considered networks due to their interconnected nature, not every network qualifies as a circuit.
A circuit, on the other hand, is also an interconnected system of electrical elements but must contain one or more closed paths.
A circuit, on the other hand, is also an interconnected system of electrical elements but must contain one or more closed paths.
01:16RC Circuit without Source
When a DC source is abruptly disconnected from an RC (Resistor-Capacitor) circuit, the circuit becomes source-free. Assuming that the capacitor was fully charged before the source was removed, its initial voltage, denoted as V0, can be considered as the initial energy that stimulates the circuit.
Applying Kirchhoff's current law at the top node of the circuit and substituting the current values across the components, a first-order differential equation is obtained. By rearranging the terms in...
Applying Kirchhoff's current law at the top node of the circuit and substituting the current values across the components, a first-order differential equation is obtained. By rearranging the terms in...
01:12Kirchoff's Laws using Phasors
Analyzing AC circuits in electrical systems is a fundamental aspect of electrical engineering. In these circuits, AC power is supplied from a distribution panel and wired to various household appliances in parallel. To perform a comprehensive analysis, electrical engineers use Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws, which are equally applicable in AC circuits as in DC circuits.
Kirchhoff's voltage law (KVL) states that the sum of phasor voltages around a closed loop in an AC circuit equals zero.
Kirchhoff's voltage law (KVL) states that the sum of phasor voltages around a closed loop in an AC circuit equals zero.
01:17Linear Circuits
A linear circuit is characterized by its output having a direct proportionality to its input, adhering to the linearity property, which encompasses the principles of homogeneity (scaling) and additivity. Homogeneity dictates that when the input, also referred to as the excitation, is multiplied by a constant factor, the output, known as the response, is correspondingly scaled by the same constant factor. For instance, if the current is multiplied by a constant 'k,' the voltage likewise...
01:21Electrical Systems
In electrical engineering, the analysis of networks composed of passive linear components — resistors (R), capacitors (C), and inductors (L) — is fundamental. These components are organized into circuits where the relationship between input and output can be analyzed using transfer functions. The transfer function of an RLC circuit, which relates the voltage across a capacitor to the input voltage, can be derived using Kirchhoff's laws.
To derive the transfer function, consider an RLC circuit...
To derive the transfer function, consider an RLC circuit...