By R.J. Melby 

Writer/Reporter 

At the beginning of this month, Biotic reported the creation of a synthetic cell.  

Designed by Kate Adamala and her team at the University of Minnesota using the components necessary for life, they were able to make a cell demonstrating “genome replication, growth… feeding, and genetically coded division.”  

The cell meets much of the criteria for life. According to the team’s paper, “The [synthetic] cell is encoded via a 90kb genome that includes functions needed for resource uptake, transcription, translation, growth, genome replication, and division.”  

In an interview with CBS News, Kate Adamala describes their SpudCell as “having genes and a metabolism… We have full control.” 

“I didn’t create something new from scratch…” says Adamala. “We put together molecules and they behave… So, we didn’t create something completely new to nature… basically we’re imitating nature. We’re learning from it and we’re building on it.” For example, the SpudCell gets its ribosomes (protein synthesizers) from E. Coli Bacteria. 

She does warn however, of the danger of “dual-use technology.” 

“There could be a potential for misuse,” she concedes. “And we’re guarding against it by putting switches inside that cell so it cannot escape the lab. It cannot live on its own… It’s very wimpy. It doesn’t have the ability to defend itself.” 

As the cell can only behave under controlled conditions, more work has to be done. Adamala hopes to make great strides in the next 5-10 years. A stronger synthetic cell could lead to “products, different chemicals, different drugs, even materials.”  

Oil, for example, is heavily relied upon in modern society. If a synthetic cell could be designed to produce the needed fuel, it would make it much more sustainable,” says Adamala. 

Despite an uncertain future, applications for man-made designer cells could change the game for biological study.