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4 Jun 2026Science & Technology3 questions

The Genie of Synthetic Biology: Power, Peril, and the Need for Wise Governance

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Article summary

Synthetic biology — the engineering of biological systems using tools like CRISPR, gene circuits, and de novo DNA synthesis — has advanced to a point where organisms can be designed, modified, or created with unprecedented precision, raising both transformative opportunities and serious risks. Historically rooted in molecular biology and genetic engineering, synthetic biology now enables applications ranging from engineered microbes that produce insulin or biofuels, to gene drives that can suppress disease vectors, to the theoretical reconstruction of dangerous pathogens. The dual-use dilemma is central: the same knowledge that enables life-saving vaccines or biodegradable plastics can, in the wrong hands, enable bioweapons or ecological disruption. Global governance frameworks — including the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety — were designed for an earlier era and struggle to keep pace with the speed of synthetic biology's advance. For India, which has a growing biotech sector and aspirations in biomanufacturing, the challenge is to build robust biosafety regulation, invest in biosecurity infrastructure, and participate actively in shaping international norms around this technology.

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recallTests whether you read the article and retained key facts.
1Q
applicationTests whether you can apply the concept to a new scenario.
1Q
analysisTests whether you can reason across multiple related facts.
1Q

Sample questions — answers revealed after test

Science & TechnologyRecallEasy

Q1. The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), which prohibits the development of biological weapons, is widely considered to have a critical governance gap. Which of the following correctly identifies this gap?

AThe BWC does not cover toxin-based weapons, only microbial pathogens.
BThe BWC lacks a formal verification mechanism to monitor state compliance.
CThe BWC has not been ratified by major biotechnology-capable nations, limiting its legal force.
DThe BWC's mandate does not extend to synthetic organisms created through de novo DNA synthesis.
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Science & TechnologyApplicationMedium

Q2. A research team in India develops a gene drive targeting a mosquito species to suppress malaria transmission. They apply for regulatory clearance. Which combination of regulatory and treaty considerations would be MOST directly applicable to their application?

AReview Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) for domestic clearance, and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety for international obligations relating to transboundary movement of the living modified organism.
BGenetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) for domestic clearance, and the Biological Weapons Convention for international obligations since gene drives are classified as dual-use biological agents.
CDepartment of Biotechnology (DBT) as the sole regulatory body, since gene drives are novel synthetic organisms not yet covered by any existing international treaty framework.
DReview Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) for domestic clearance, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for international obligations since gene drives affect wild biodiversity beyond national borders.
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Science & TechnologyAnalysisHard

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the governance of synthetic biology and its key tools: 1. CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that enables precise modifications to existing genomes but cannot be used to synthesise entirely new genetic sequences from scratch — that function is specific to de novo DNA synthesis. 2. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was designed primarily to regulate the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) and therefore may be inadequate for governing synthetic organisms that have no natural counterpart. 3. The dual-use dilemma in synthetic biology can be resolved by prohibiting all research that uses CRISPR-Cas9 for pathogen-related studies, thereby eliminating misuse potential without significant harm to beneficial research. 4. Gene drives, once released into a wild population, can theoretically spread a genetic modification across an entire species population over successive generations, making their release practically irreversible. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A1, 2 and 4 only
B2 and 4 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4
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