[Construction of synthetic cells: from basic questions to applications]

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Origin of life research
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Synthetic cell construction is a rapidly expanding field.
• The bottom-up approach assembles cells from molecular components.
• Understanding cellular life and its origins is a key scientific driver.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in bottom-up synthetic cell construction.
• To discuss the construction of minimal and artificial cells.
• To highlight the multidisciplinary nature and applications of synthetic cell research.

Main Methods:

• Protocell construction using prebiotic molecules to study life's origins.
• Minimal cell construction by integrating DNA and metabolism into vesicles for self-reproduction.
• Artificial cell construction assembling hybrid systems with natural and synthetic molecules for novel functions.

Main Results:

• Three distinct pathways for synthetic cell assembly are detailed: protocells, minimal cells, and artificial cells.
• Each approach offers unique insights into cellular life and its fundamental principles.
• The integration of natural and synthetic components leads to hybrid systems with emergent properties.

Conclusions:

• Synthetic cell research is a multidisciplinary endeavor with complementary approaches.
• Advances in this field provide novel concepts for biotechnology and medicine.
• The construction of minimal and artificial cells pushes the boundaries of understanding and engineering biological systems.