Evolutionary Molecular Engineering by Random Elongation Mutagenesis

Technological advancement in molecular biology set in motion the directed evolution of the properties of biomolecules, such as protein and nucleic acids. Toward the improvement of the properties in general, events in nature are imitated. The approach, commonly called “directed evolution,” involves the alternating process of diversification, which is the generation of libraries, and subsequent selection for the fittest. The serial cycles of consecutive diversification and selection processes eventually lead to the accumulation of beneficial mutations, driving the improvement of targeted properties.