For first time, a cell built from scratch grows and divides
a day ago
- #origin of life
- #synthetic biology
- #cell division
- Scientists have created a synthetic cell from nonliving components that can grow, replicate DNA, and divide, marking a significant step toward generating life from nonlife.
- The synthetic cell, called spudcell, is built from biological molecules inside a lipid membrane but requires external supplies like ribosomes and lacks self-sustaining systems.
- Researchers combined systems from different labs, including DNA replication and division-inducing proteins, to achieve cell division without a cytoskeleton, showcasing a technical breakthrough.
- The cell demonstrated basic evolutionary potential by showing genetic variation and trait selection, but it lacks natural selection due to low mutation rates in DNA replication.
- Synthetic cells could aid in creating biofuels, drugs, and exploring life's origins, with tools made available through the nonprofit Biotic to advance research in synthetic biology.