"SpudCell" – prototype cell capable of partial self-replication built from 36 bacterial genes

Scientists have created a prototype cell called "SpudCell" using 36 existing bacterial genes, making it partly capable of replicating itself – though it is not classed as a living organism. The achievement is being described as arguably the greatest feat of bioengineering yet accomplished, representing a significant step toward understanding the minimal requirements for life.

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💡 Did You Know Scientists built SpudCell — a synthetic cell that eats, grows and divides like a living cell Live Science · 24d ago 🔬 Science Scientists create synthetic 'blobs' with lab-made DNA that feed and multiply The Guardian Science · 28d ago 🔬 Science Scientists convert plastic waste directly into hydrogen fuel — no sorting needed ScienceAlert · 1d ago

More on this topic

💡 Did You Know Scientists built SpudCell — a synthetic cell that eats, grows and divides like a living cell Live Science · 24d ago 🔬 Science Scientists create synthetic 'blobs' with lab-made DNA that feed and multiply The Guardian Science · 28d ago 🔬 Science Scientists convert plastic waste directly into hydrogen fuel — no sorting needed ScienceAlert · 1d ago