Synthetic Minimal Cells

If we could map and understand every single molecular process in a cell, we would have a better grasp of the fundamental principles of life. We could ultimately use this knowledge to design and create artificial organisms. An obvious way to start this endeavor is to study minimal cells, natural or synthetic organisms that contain only the bare minimum of genetic information needed to survive. By building and studying these very simplified cells – so simple they have been described as the ‘hydrogen atoms of biology’ (Morowitz, 1984) – we may be able to dissect all the molecular mechanisms required to sustain cellular life. Jean CL et al.

I. Preparation: Math of the the pipetting

II. We will work in RNAse free environment to set up two cell-free protein synthesis reactions: synthesis of GFP and FlAsH

III. Guess which sample will show fluorescence first: GFP or FLAsH?