Synthetic cell: machine that could, Pg2

Key Highlights:

• Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed a synthetic cell capable of growth and division.
• The cell was initiated as a liposome containing a PURE protein-making system and a 90,000 base pair DNA.
• It "eats" by fusing with smaller feeder liposomes, using a protein called alpha-hemolysin to pull them in.
• The synthetic cell replicates its genome using the Phi29 enzyme and divides through engineered proteins creating physical pressure.
• The researchers demonstrated that these cells could undergo natural selection, with more efficient cells dominating the population.

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Detailed Insights:

• The synthetic cell's ability to grow and divide autonomously marks a significant step towards creating artificial life.
• Liposomes are artificial vesicles made of lipid bilayers, mimicking the basic structure of biological cell membranes.
• The PURE system (Protein synthesis Using Recombinant Elements) is a cell-free protein synthesis system used to express genes.
• The alpha-hemolysin protein acts as a "hook" to capture and integrate nutrients from feeder liposomes for growth.
• Phi29 is a highly processive DNA polymerase known for its ability to replicate DNA efficiently.
• The engineered biological division mechanism, using proteins to create membrane pressure, mimics natural cell division processes.
• Demonstrating natural selection in synthetic cells provides insights into the fundamental principles of evolution and life's origins.
• This research contributes to understanding the minimal requirements for life and could have implications for biotechnology and medicine.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Synthetic Cell: An artificial construct designed to mimic the fundamental properties of living cells, such as growth, metabolism, and division.
• Liposome: A spherical vesicle composed of a lipid bilayer, often used as a model for cell membranes or for drug delivery.
• DNA Replication: The biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule.
• Natural Selection: The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.