US Scientists Create First Fully Synthetic Cell Capable of Growth and Division
A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota has achieved a scientific breakthrough by creating the first completely synthetic cell from scratch in the laboratory. Nicknamed the "SpudCell" due to its potato-like appearance, the cell exhibits most fundamental characteristics of life, including nutrient absorption, physical growth, division into two daughter cells, and competition for resources with other cells. This milestone opens the door to programming biological systems free from evolutionary constraints.
The synthetic cell, about 0.05 millimeters in diameter, four times smaller than a fine grain of sand, contains a minimal genome of just 36 genes spread across seven separate DNA molecules, totaling approximately 90,000 base pairs. In contrast, the human genome contains around three billion base pairs. Unlike natural cells that divide using an internal cytoskeleton, the SpudCell produces proteins that accumulate on its membrane until mechanical pressure causes it to split.
However, the cell has significant limitations. It cannot produce its own ribosomes, the protein factories, and thus requires continuous external supply of these components. Consequently, the cell lineage survives only five to ten generations before ribosome degradation causes failure. Additionally, the fragmented genome sometimes leads to loss of essential genetic information during division. Dr. Kate Adamala, a lead researcher, described the organism as "remarkably fragile" and hesitant to call it fully alive, emphasizing the complexity of defining life.
Dr. Drew Endy, a synthetic biologist from Stanford University collaborating on the project, compared the achievement to the Wright brothers' first flight, noting it as an initial step rather than a final product. Instead of patenting the invention, the researchers established a nonprofit organization called Biotic to foster an international open-source community aimed at accelerating development. They envision future applications in producing medicines, food, and chemical fuels.
Biosecurity experts have assessed that the synthetic cell currently poses no security threat, as it depends on specific external nutrients and cannot self-replicate outside controlled lab conditions. Nonetheless, scientists are exploring built-in genomic safety mechanisms to prevent misuse or bioweaponization of synthetic biology technologies.
