Scientists built a cell from scratch for the first time. It feeds, grows, replicates its DNA, and divides. Called SpudCell.

36 genes, 90K base pairs, 150-200 molecules. Not alive (can't make ribosomes, can't evolve, needs constant feeding) but it's the first complete cell cycle from entirely non-living components.

quantamagazine.org/for-the-fir…

#syntheticbiology #science #biology

For the First Time, a Cell Built From Scratch Grows and Divides | Quanta Magazine

Scientists built a synthetic cell that combines more lifelike properties than ever before — proof of concept that it’s possible to bring nonliving materials to life, or something close to it, in the lab.

^{Yasemin Saplakoglu (Quanta Magazine)}