It has proven possible to build synthetic genetic circuits that have somewhat predictable properties in organisms. However, the large number of variables that of necessity relate the performance of new sub-systems to the overall physiology and metabolism of an organism of necessity limit the optimization of these circuits, even by evolutionary means. Therefore, we have begun to develop and evolve synthetic circuits that can function wholly within in vitro, cell-like compartments. As examples, we will discuss selection schemes that involve genes that can capture themselves, genes that can amplify themselves, and genes that can regulate themselves.

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