Directed Evolution Is a Relatively New Way to Engineer Enzymes

question 52

Multiple Choice

Directed evolution is a relatively new way to engineer enzymes. Previously, scientists tried to design proteins by using computer models to try to predict how specific changes in genetic sequences might result in altered enzyme structure and function. Why is one of these approaches more efficient than the other?

• A)Generating high numbers of random mutations and subsequently screening for desired function means that directed evolution requires little prior knowledge of enzyme structure.
• B)Computer models can produce many possible changes in genetic sequences in a short period of time, and then researchers can study each real enzyme one at a time.
• C)Although the computer modeling method is slower and requires more information about the enzyme's genetic sequence, the function of enzymes produced by directed evolution is unknown.
• D)Because directed evolution produces many genetic sequences that do not lead to improved activity, researchers have found that this procedure results in few successful results.

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