History of iGEM
Synbio Basics
SynBio Tools and Techniques
Applications of SynBio
Famous Breakthroughs in Synbio
100

This competition, which began in 2003, allows students to design and build synthetic biology projects.

What is iGEM?

100

This term refers to the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems.

What is synthetic biology?

100

These small, circular DNA molecules are commonly used to introduce new genes into bacteria for research and engineering.

What are plasmids?

100

This application of synthetic biology involves designing new organisms to produce renewable energy sources.

What is biofuel production?

100

In 2018, researchers used synthetic biology to create bacteria that can produce insulin, a life-saving drug for people with this disease.

What is diabetes?

200

iGEM started as a winter session course at this university, where students built biological systems to solve real-world problems.

What is MIT?

200

This type of RNA is crucial in the process of translating genetic code into proteins.

What does messenger RNA (mRNA) do?

200

A technique used to make millions of copies of a specific DNA segment quickly and efficiently in a lab.

What is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

200

Synthetic biology is being used to develop this type of crop, which is engineered to resist pests and withstand harsh environmental conditions.

What are genetically modified crops?

200

In 2020, researchers used synthetic biology to engineer mosquitoes that are unable to carry this deadly disease.

What is malaria?

300

This award was introduced in 2006 to recognize teams that go above and beyond in considering the societal impact of their projects.

What is the Human Practices Award?

300

This common microorganism is often used as a "workhorse" in synthetic biology experiments.

What is Escherichia coli (E. coli)?

300

A technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample.

What is Western Blot (Immunoblotting)?

300

Scientists have used synthetic biology to engineer yeast that produces this essential flavor ingredient, often used as a vanilla substitute.

What is vanillin?

300

Synthetic biology has been used to engineer microbes that produce this sweetener, which could reduce the need for sugarcane farming.

What is stevia?

400

This scientist is known as the "father of synthetic biology" for his work in the field and involvement in founding iGEM.

Who is Tom Knight?

400

The process of inserting foreign DNA into a host organism to change its traits.

What is genetic modification?

400

A method used to determine the precise order of nucleotides in a DNA sequence.

What is Sanger sequencing?


400

A device that uses biological molecules to detect and measure specific substances or changes in the environment, providing a measurable signal.

What are Biosensors?

400

In 2020, a major breakthrough allowed scientists to engineer yeast to produce this expensive, naturally sourced compound used in the perfume industry.

What is squalene?

500

In 2011, iGEM split into regional competitions for the first time, with this number continents hosting their own events.

What is three regions (Europe, Asia, Americas)?

500

Standardized DNA sequences used in synthetic biology to easily combine and create new genetic functions in organisms.

What are BioBricks?

500

An enzyme used in PCR to copy DNA sequences quickly and accurately.

What is Taq Polymerase?

500

Synthetic biology is being used to create bacteria that can glow in the dark, a trait originally found in these sea creatures.

What are jellyfish?

500

This technique, discovered in 2012, allows scientists to easily edit genes by cutting DNA at specific spots, making it much faster to change the genetic code.

What is CRISPR-Cas9?