Artificial life form step closer
Monday, March 9, 2009
American scientists have for the first part of a reconstructed biological cell that produces proteins. The experiment is considered a major scientific breakthrough.
Scientists from the University of Harvard existing molecules used to build a so-called ribosome, a molecular machine that ensures the production of proteins in a biological cell.
This informs the U.S. newspaper The Boston Globe. Proteins in all living organisms perform important functions, such as the transport of substances and the unleashing of chemical reactions.
Key Component
With the artificial creation of a ribosome, the development of an artificial life form is a step closer.
"If you want to create synthetic life that somewhat resembles life as we know, then you have this organic machine," said investigator George Church. "The ribosomes is the key component of all living systems."
Church itself will not intend to create artificial life form. The scientist wants artificial ribosomes mainly to develop artificial proteins that can be used in the treatment of diseases.
Bacterial artificial
Other scientists have been observed to target to create artificial organisms. The American biologist Craig Venter had a reaction to the research that he is working on artificial bacteria, harmful substances such as carbon dioxide can break.
"I think we in the creation of artificial life are only limited by our own imagination," said Venter.
Source: NU.nl
Monday, March 9, 2009
American scientists have for the first part of a reconstructed biological cell that produces proteins. The experiment is considered a major scientific breakthrough.
Scientists from the University of Harvard existing molecules used to build a so-called ribosome, a molecular machine that ensures the production of proteins in a biological cell.
This informs the U.S. newspaper The Boston Globe. Proteins in all living organisms perform important functions, such as the transport of substances and the unleashing of chemical reactions.
Key Component
With the artificial creation of a ribosome, the development of an artificial life form is a step closer.
"If you want to create synthetic life that somewhat resembles life as we know, then you have this organic machine," said investigator George Church. "The ribosomes is the key component of all living systems."
Church itself will not intend to create artificial life form. The scientist wants artificial ribosomes mainly to develop artificial proteins that can be used in the treatment of diseases.
Bacterial artificial
Other scientists have been observed to target to create artificial organisms. The American biologist Craig Venter had a reaction to the research that he is working on artificial bacteria, harmful substances such as carbon dioxide can break.
"I think we in the creation of artificial life are only limited by our own imagination," said Venter.
Source: NU.nl
