by SUZAN MAZUR
DORON LANCET: “One of the greatest challenges of Synthetic Biology is to chemically engineer a simplified self-reproducing system. Even the simplest of such systems, obtained by a top-down approach, i.e., by gradually simplifying present-day living cells appears to be irrevocably complex. Therefore, a bottom-up approach is more appropriate if Synthetic Biology’s declared goal of combining science and engineering in synthesizing novel biological functions and systems is to be followed. Self-reproduction comes in two different flavors: one is the ability of individual molecules, such as DNA and RNA to generate their own copies. Indeed, many Synthetic Biology efforts rely on this unique attribute, attempting to develop and utilise molecular replicators such as a self-copying ribozyme. The other reproduction flavor is the capacity of entire cells to fission and form progeny. In our laboratory we take the latter route. . . . Because present-day test-tube biochemistry is rather limited, we resort to computer simulations. . . . This approach echoes new developments in the realm of systems chemistry, a joint effort of prebiotic and supramolecular chemistry, as well as theoretical biology and complex systems research to address problems relating to the origin and synthesis of life.”
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(Thanks to Salim Amersi)