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Enzyme Forced Evolution-Gene Shuffling The complexity of all living things is due to mutation and natural selection, or so Darwinists believe. The exquisite products of evolution are apparent at all levels, from the amazing diversity of life all the way down to individual protein molecules. It is these molecules in which scientists and engineers wish to redesign by implementing the idea of ‘forced evolution’. This directed evolution allows us to explore enzyme functions never required in the natural environment. We are able to obtain the ability to tailor individual proteins in order to optimise their functioning in biotechnology. For example, when natural enzymes are recruited for industrial applications, from serving as catalysts in chemicals synthesis to additives for laundry detergents, we discover that they are often not well suited to these tasks. Due to poor substrate solubility, breakdown of unstable products, or competing chemical reactions, the conditions for an enzyme reaction may be unsuitable for large-scale applications. Evolution is the culprit: enzymes are optimised and often highly specialised for specific biological functions within the context of a living organism. Biotechnology, in contrast, nee