Synthesizing life

Advances in directed evolution and membrane biophysics make the synthesis of simple living cells, if not yet foreseeable reality, an imaginable goal. Overcoming the many scientific challenges along the way will deepen our understanding of the essence of cellular life and its origin on Earth.

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature (London) 2001-01, Vol.409 (6818), p.387-390
Main Authors: Szostak, J. W., Bartel, D. P., Luisi, P. L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cell Compartmentation
Cell Physiological Phenomena
Cellular biology
Directed Molecular Evolution
Evolution, Chemical
Exobiology
feature
Genetic engineering
Humanities and Social Sciences
Life
Membranes - metabolism
multidisciplinary
Origin of Life
Physics
Ribonucleic acid
RNA
RNA Replicase - metabolism
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Space life sciences
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Description
Summary:Advances in directed evolution and membrane biophysics make the synthesis of simple living cells, if not yet foreseeable reality, an imaginable goal. Overcoming the many scientific challenges along the way will deepen our understanding of the essence of cellular life and its origin on Earth.
ISSN:0028-0836
1476-4687
DOI:10.1038/35053176