Scientists have built a basic synthetic cell called SpudCell that can copy DNA and divide a few times using 36 genes from existing organisms.
Kate Adamala at the University of Missouri led the project. The cell contains genes mostly taken from E. coli bacteria along with some from phage viruses and a fluorescent protein gene from jellyfish.
The researchers assembled the genes into seven circular DNA pieces placed inside fatty bubbles. The cells receive external supplies of building blocks because they cannot produce their own. Division occurs unevenly through budding after added proteins bend the membrane.
Adamala said the cells stop after about five divisions likely due to failure of supplied ribosomes. The team has made the project open source to allow further development toward indefinite replication.
The goal is to engineer cells that can produce petrochemicals safely. Adamala noted the current version depends entirely on lab support and poses no risk of uncontrolled spread.
