Scientists have unveiled a synthetic cell built entirely from nonliving components that can feed, grow and replicate, marking a major step forward in synthetic biology.
SYNTHETIC CELL BREAKTHROUGH
Scientists have created what they describe as the first synthetic cell built entirely from scratch that can feed, grow and replicate, according to a report by CNN. Developed by University of Minnesota biologist Kate Adamala and her team, the lab-made cell, dubbed “SpudCell,” was assembled from nonliving chemical components and behaves similarly to a simple bacterium.
Researchers said the prototype could help unlock new ways to study the origins of life and eventually support advances in medicine, carbon capture and chemical manufacturing. SpudCell contains 150 to 200 molecules and can reproduce for about five generations, though it remains far simpler than natural cells.
The findings were released through Biotic, a public-benefit institution co-founded by the researchers, and are awaiting peer-reviewed publication, CNN reported.
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