Synthetic Metabolism

Metabolism is the chemical process in which foods and drinks are converted into energy. Metabolism is crucial to survival, as it also regulates hormones, removes waste, and repairs damaged cells. Synthetic metabolism involves changing or creating new metabolic pathways for the benefit of humans, rather than just for survival.

Metabolism consists of two main processes: catabolism and anabolism. During catabolism, macronutrients such as carbohydrates or protein are broken down into glucose. During anabolism, smaller units are assembled to form larger ones, such as amino acids and proteins. It helps with building muscle and bone growth. 

Synthetic metabolism involves artificial enzymes and reactions. This creates an orthogonal metabolic system, meaning it operates independently from the original metabolic system. Through synthetic metabolism, many benefits can be achieved. One such benefit includes growing plants in space. Even with limited oxygen, sunlight, and water, synthetic metabolism enables food production without requiring many materials, making for long missions in space. Research also shows that synthetic metabolic pathways for CO2 may help reduce atmospheric carbon.

However, since synthetic metabolism is still a relatively new topic, there are several risks. The new metabolic system must be compatible with the organism’s body, or it could result in harmful consequences. Additionally, the enzymes created must match and perform their functions accurately. As synthetic metabolism continues to be tested, these problems will most likely be solved, and synthetic metabolism will continue to improve society’s knowledge of biology and technology.

References:

Cleveland Clinic. “Metabolism.” Cleveland Clinic, 30 Aug. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21893-metabolism.

Erb, Tobias J, et al. “Synthetic Metabolism: Metabolic Engineering Meets Enzyme Design.” Current Opinion in Chemical Biology, vol. 37, 1 Apr. 2017, pp. 56–62, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1367593116302071, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.12.023. Accessed 27 Apr. 2022.

Technology Networks. “Synthetic Metabolic Pathways for CO₂ Fixation Could Benefit the Environment Twofold.” Applied Sciences from Technology Networks, Technology Networks, 16 May 2023, www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/synthetic-metabolic-pathways-for-co2-fixation-could-benefit-the-environment-twofold-373356. Accessed 30 June 2025.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Synthetic Biology.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Aug. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_biology.

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