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Team:HKUSTers/Project
From 2008.igem.org
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Randomness is everywhere!
You may not have realized it, but randomness is very important even outside the casino. It plays an important role in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science and even medicine. Randomness is often needed in reducing bias. Here are some examples of natural occuring random events:
>> Random motions of molecules that explains phenomena in thermodynamics and properties of gases
>> Random genetic mutations that lead to diversity of life and makes natural selection possible
True Randomness?
There are various scientific or social areas in which randomness is required for fair analysis. When random numbers are needed, they are usually generated by computers. The computers may use information say, time, and long complicated mathematical processes to generate the number. So, is this true randomness?? The result may actually just be determined by the time at which the generation is kicked start. It is still not absolutely random.
Therefore, we have decided to design a . . .
This is going to be biologists' random generator. It is not just a biological slot machine, but a random number generator. The cell will have an either 0 or 1 state. By using more than 1 cell, a multi-digit binary number can be generated. The results cannot be controlled or altered by humans. It is true randomness!!! (yes, ideally)
Our circuit
Design
1. The core part of the randomizer consists of a pair of overlapping T7 promoters having very similar binding affinities. The T7 polymerase binds absolutely randomly onto the left or the right promoter to give an either 0 or 1 signal eventually.
