This very flexible way of linking genotype to phenotype has allowed the evolution of a vast range of molecules with diverse activities. In collaboration with Dr. Dan Tawfik we have recently developed a system for in vitro evolution that uses man-made compartments to link genotype and phenotype. We have shown that these compartments can be used to select genes encoding catalytic proteins and are now investigating the selection of proteins and nucleic acids with a wide range of different catalytic, binding and regulatory activities. Selection of genes encoding catalysts by compartmentalisation. The genes are transcribed and translated within their compartments.
Compartmentalisation prevents the modification of genes in other compartments.