In 2007, using bacteria whose entire genome consists of a single chromosome, scientists at the Institute demonstrated that they could successfully transplant the naturally occurring genome from one bacterium into the cell of a different bacterium. As anticipated, the cell that received the transplant then assumed the behavior of the chromosome donor. It is the genome that defines to the life form how it will function, including ingestion, reproduction, and the composition of its excrement. When scientists can build a genome to order, the life form will follow the instructions it has been assigned.