Since we are all about programming cells, we need code. The code we use isn't
RNA or
protein or
small molecules, instead it's the specific sequence of a
DNA molecule since that is the way cells store most of their code. We write code by putting pieces of
DNA together, each of which has a particular function. In other words, the
parts we use to build systems are
DNA molecules. That's why
DNA molecules in the registry are referred to as
parts rather than
DNA. Also note that sometimes a single
part can also be a
device. For example, a constitutively active promoter has a well-defined output (transcription rate) so it should also be described as a device. Finally note that the Registry doesn't have entries for
mRNA or
small molecules. We should, and we'll get to those as soon as we can.
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