A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland have hit a breakthrough by creating yeast cells with partly synthetic DNA.

Scientists were able to rearrange the genetic material of the yeast at will. To scientists’ utmost surprise, the synthetic DNA adopted the new genetic code as a part of their normal cellular machinery and were as healthy as their natural counterparts.

The successful experiment is expected to pave way for on-demand evolution of organisms.

Researches involving bugs with synthetic DNA will help scientists find answers for questions like what is the minimal suite of genes required for life.

The new research is a big leap towards the production of entirely synthetic organisms which could be designed to mass-produce industrial chemical, biofuels and vaccines.

Lead researcher Jef Boeke said, “We have created a research tool that not only lets us learn more about yeast biology, but also holds out the possibility of someday designing genomes for specific purposes, like making new vaccines or medications.”

The study has been published in the most recent issue of the journal Nature.