Synthetic biology is an advanced field that combines biology and engineering to design and construct new biological systems, or to redesign existing biological systems for useful purposes. Unlike traditional genetic engineering, which typically involves modifying existing organisms by adding or altering a few genes, synthetic biology often involves creating entirely new genetic sequences from scratch.

Synthetic biology takes a more systematic and engineering-based approach, aiming to create standardised biological components that can be assembled in a modular way. The most notable example of synthetic biology can be shown in the synthetic yeast project. In this project, the researchers aim to create the entire yeast genome in the lab and are successful in creating 7 out of 16 chromosomes entirely in lab.

Traditional genetic editing involves modifying existing organisms by altering or adding specific genes to achieve desired traits or functions. This approach is focused on making targeted changes to the genetic makeup of an organism to enhance specific traits or functions. On the other hand, synthetic biology takes a broader approach by designing and constructing new biological systems.