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Directed evolution
Article By:
Weissman, Kira J. Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Last reviewed:2005
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB050710
Directed evolution is an attempt to replicate in the laboratory nature's method of developing protein catalysts (enzymes) with desirable properties or for particular reactions. In this technology, the amino acid sequence of a known enzyme is randomly mutated to create millions of different versions; the variants are then screened to reveal which has particular attributes or is best suited to perform a specific task. Over the last decade, directed evolution has become an important tool for enzyme discovery in both academia and industry.
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