Storing data encoded DNA in living organisms

Abstract

Current technologies allow the generation of artificial DNA molecules and/or the ability to alter the DNA sequences of existing DNA molecules. With a careful coding scheme and arrangement, it is possible to encode important information as an artificial DNA strand and store it in a living host safely and permanently. This inventive technology can be used to identify origins and protect R&D investments. It can also be used in environmental research to track generations of organisms and observe the ecological impact of pollutants. Today, there are microorganisms that can survive under extreme conditions. As well, it is advantageous to consider multicellular organisms as hosts for stored information. These living organisms can provide as memory housing and protection for stored data or information. The present invention provides well for data storage in a living organism wherein at least one DNA sequence is encoded to represent data and incorporated into a living organism.

1 - 19 . (canceled)  
     
     
         20 . A memory storage system, comprising: 
 a. a living organism; and    b. at least one DNA sequence encoded to represent data, said DNA sequence incorporated into a living organism.    
     
     
         21 . A memory storage system according to  claim 20  wherein said data is maintained in said living organism.  
     
     
         22 . A memory storage system according to  claim 20  wherein said data is retrieved.  
     
     
         23 . A memory storage system according to  claim 22  wherein said retrieved data is decoded to said data.  
     
     
         24 . A memory storage system according to  claim 20  wherein said data is programmed data.  
     
     
         25 . A memory storage system according to  claim 24  wherein said programmed data responds to at least one stimulus.  
     
     
         26 . A memory storage system according to  claim 20  wherein said living organism is a single-celled organism.  
     
     
         27 . A memory storage system according to  claim 26  wherein said single-celled organism is a prokaryotic cell.  
     
     
         28 . A memory storage system according to  claim 26  wherein said prokaryotic cell is a bacterial cell.  
     
     
         29 . A memory storage system according to  claim 28  wherein said bacterial cell is a  Escherichia coli.    
     
     
         30 . A memory storage system according to  claim 28  wherein said bacterial cell is  Deinococcus radians.    
     
     
         31 . A memory storage system according to  claim 26  wherein said single-celled organism is a eukaryotic cell.  
     
     
         32 . A memory storage system according to  claim 31  wherein said eukaryotic cells is a stem cell.  
     
     
         33 . A memory storage system according to  claim 32  wherein said stem cell is allowed to propagate into a multi-cellular living organism.  
     
     
         34 . A memory storage system according to  claim 20  wherein said living organism is a multi-cellular organism.  
     
     
         35 - 39 . (canceled)