"Most of the biological molecules known to make up life on Earth have a specific handedness, or chirality. Amino acids have left-handed chirality, for example, whereas DNA is right-handed. Because mirror-image bacteria or other synthetic life forms would be made of molecules of opposite handedness (so with right-handed amino acids and left-handed DNA), the concern is that such organisms might represent a hazard to known life - (see also go.nature.com/3hshyst and go.nature.com/3vwuytw)."
"For example, some of them might be capable of evading immune systems, confounding medicines, resisting predation and causing harms to humans, non-human animals, plants and ecosystems,. Prohibiting the creation of molecules or biological entities of either chirality that could endanger human health or environmental stability should be uncontroversial. And discussions early in the development of a field - as well as efforts to engage the public - can be constructive when it comes to ensuring that research is conducted responsibly and ethically."
Experts are gathering in Manchester, UK, and at a US National Academies workshop to examine building synthetic life and possible restrictions on creating mirror-image organisms. Most biological molecules have specific handedness: amino acids are left-handed and DNA is right-handed. Mirror-image organisms would use opposite chirality, potentially enabling immune evasion, confounding medicines, resisting predation and harming humans, animals, plants and ecosystems. Prohibiting creation of chiral molecules or entities that threaten human health or environmental stability is straightforward. Early engagement, ethical conduct and public involvement can help ensure responsible research, but significant unknowns require caution to avoid pre-emptive overreach.
Read at Nature
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