Fig. 3.

Focus areas in plant synthetic biology. Synthetic biology lies at the intersection of engineering, biology and mathematical modelling (centre). The central theory is that the application of engineering principles (second ring) will facilitate the engineering of biological systems and materials. These are applied in diverse research areas (third ring) with the aim of improving the predictability with which they can be engineered. Multiple strategies are combined to develop new knowledge and products for the bioeconomy (outer ring).