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If some time in the future, we can know exactly what a cell (for example simple prokaryote bacteria) contains, (I mean, exactly which molecules, the shape of them, the density of each, everything), Then can we create a new cell (not from another cell)? I mean, if we have such technology, then create a soup just like what that cell contains, and a DNA exactly same as that bacteria cell, and then put some of it inside a Cell membrane, will it start living? |
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I think it could feasible to assemble complete synthetic cells in future. One of the first successes will probably be a simple bacteria. The synthetic genome is already on the road, so here, I'm pointing to other technologies that can be helpful. Feel free to add/edit/complete. Inorganic chemistry. Self-replicating inorganic cells can be already obtained from polymer emulsions: optimistically, one may try in future to work with organic macromolecules. 3D printing technology may also evolve to the point that it will be possible to assemble cells by printing microscopic 'ink' molecules with the correct cellular organization. 3D printing works by serially printing one layer on the top of the other: to prevent molecular layers to mix, a technology to serially froze the printed layer will help in obtain a frozen synthetic cell. |
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Many of the parts of a cell, which perform its basic functions, such as transcription, translation, DNA replication, etc. have been already isolated and successfully recreated in a test tube. So if we obtain a complete list of all the parts we need and know how to make those parts and mix them together, we can make a cell from scratch. However, this will probably be very time-consuming and costly and will serve no other purpose than showing that it can be done. It is much more time- and cost-efficient to create a genome only, transplant it into an existing cell, and wait for the cell to replicate and synthesize new molecules until it changes in a way that completely fits the new genome. |
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