| | |  | | | | Record from Web of Science® | | | | | | |
| A giant step towards artificial life? |
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| Author(s): Deamer D |
| Source: TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY Volume: 23 Issue: 7 Pages: 336-338 Published: JUL 2005 |
| Times Cited: 30 References: 15 |
| Abstract: Step by step, the components of an artificial form of cellular life are being assembled by researchers. Lipid vesicles the size of small bacteria can be prepared and under certain conditions are able to grow and divide, then grow again. Polymerase enzymes encapsulated in the vesicles can synthesize RNA from externally added substrates. Most recently, the entire translation apparatus, including ribosomes, has been captured in vesicles. Substantial amounts of proteins were produced, including green fluorescent protein used as a marker for protein synthesis. Can we now assemble a living cell? Not quite yet because no one has produced a polymerase that can be reproduced along with growth of the other molecular components required by life. But we are closer than ever before. |
| Document Type: Article |
| Language: English |
| Reprint Address: Deamer, D (reprint author), Univ Calif Santa Cruz, Dept Biomol Engn, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 USA |
Addresses:
1. Univ Calif Santa Cruz, Dept Biomol Engn, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 USA |
| Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE LONDON, 84 THEOBALDS RD, LONDON WC1X 8RR, ENGLAND |
| Subject Category: Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology |
| IDS Number: 947YM |
| ISSN: 0167-7799 |
| DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2005.05.008 |
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| | | | | | | | | Record from Web of Science® | | | | | | | | | |