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Current Organic Chemistry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1385-2728
ISSN (Online): 1875-5348

Piecing Together Cell-like Systems

Author(s): Domenica Torino, Laura Martini and Sheref S. Mansy

Volume 17, Issue 16, 2013

Page: [1751 - 1757] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/13852728113179990082

Abstract

Several laboratories are pursuing the synthesis of cellular systems from different directions, including those that begin with simple chemicals to those that exploit existing cells. The methods that begin with nonliving components tend to focus on mimicking specific features of life, such as genomic replication, protein synthesis, sensory systems, and compartment formation, growth, and division. Conversely, the more prevalent synthetic biology approaches begin with something that is already alive and seek to impart new behavior on existing cells. Here we discuss advances in building cell-like systems that mimic key features of life with defined components.

Keywords: Cell-like, minimal cell, origin of life, protocell, riboswitch, synthetic biology.


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