A team of Harvard scientists created artificial cell-like systems that simulate key life processes such as metabolism, reproduction, and evolution. This research represents a significant advance in understanding how life might begin from non-biochemical materials. These systems help explore the emergence of living cells from simpler structures. Questions surrounding the origin of life, including whether it started on Earth or another planet, continue to intrigue scientists, necessitating further investigation into the transition from simple molecules to complex biological forms.
"This is the first time, as far as I know, that anybody has done anything like this - generate a structure that has the properties of life from something, which is completely homogeneous at the chemical level and devoid of any similarity to natural life."
"As it mimics key aspects of life, it allows us insight into the origins and early evolution of living cells," said Sasselov, who was not involved in the new study.
The team sought to demonstrate how life might 'boot up' from materials similar to those available in the interstellar medium.
What simple biological molecules gave rise to complex cells? Was there a single origin or multiple events? Did life begin on Earth or on another planet?
Collection
[
|
...
]