Piecing Together Cell-like Systems

Several laboratories are pursuing the synthesis of cellular systems from different directions, including those that begin with simple chemicals to those that exploit existing cells. The methods that begin with nonliving components tend to focus on mimicking specific features of life, such as genomic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCurrent organic chemistry Vol. 17; no. 16; p. 1751
Main Authors Torino, Domenica, Martini, Laura, Mansy, Sheref S
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Netherlands 01.08.2013
Subjects
riboswitch
synthetic biology
Cell-like
origin of life
minimal cell
protocell
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Summary:Several laboratories are pursuing the synthesis of cellular systems from different directions, including those that begin with simple chemicals to those that exploit existing cells. The methods that begin with nonliving components tend to focus on mimicking specific features of life, such as genomic replication, protein synthesis, sensory systems, and compartment formation, growth, and division. Conversely, the more prevalent synthetic biology approaches begin with something that is already alive and seek to impart new behavior on existing cells. Here we discuss advances in building cell-like systems that mimic key features of life with defined components.
ISSN:1385-2728
DOI:10.2174/13852728113179990082