For The First Time, Scientists Say They've Built a Synthetic Cell From Scratch
Scientists at the University of Minnesota have developed 'SpudCell,' a synthetic cell created from non-living chemical components that can replicate. While the team claims it demonstrates the fundamental functions of life, the research faces skepticism from some in the scientific community.
Why it matters
The creation of synthetic life from scratch challenges our fundamental understanding of biology and could lead to breakthroughs in biotechnology and medicine.
Add ScienceAlert on Google A video of SpudCell - a synthetic cell assembled entirely from non-living chemical components - containing both a genome and the metabolic machinery to read it. The red membrane is stained with lipid dye. (Orion Venero/Adamala Lab) Scientists from the University of Minnesota say they have created the first-ever synthetic cell built entirely from scratch, and seen it go through an entire 'life' cycle – including reproduction.
The article presents the scientific claim while acknowledging the lack of peer review and the skepticism from other experts.
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