Creating cells from DNA

Let's assume you have DNA from a random species. Would it be possible to recreate a working cell just from the genetic information in the DNA? Obviously without taking another cell that's compatible or other tricks. I mean creating one from scratch.
In "reallife" new cells are never created, they only divide one way or another. Does the DNA contain a "plan" on *how* a cell is built, or is it more like instructions "do this, create that protein, make a membrane, repeat", which only work if you have a cell in the first place to "execute" them? I'd say the latter, but I'm no expert.

No.
The DNA needs other things like ribosomes to express its genetic data in the form of proteins. DNA by itself is useless.

No, but it would be interesting to see how few of these components you would actually need to put inside a membrane for a self replicating entity to form.

>>1 They did it on mythbusters

>>1 Miller-Urey experiment, lurk moar <-- possible way cells were made from "scratch"

1.if you want to make a cell from "scratch" then you shouldnt be using anything at all (talkin bout the dna), just the basic components that make up a cell, but unfortunately we dont fully understand the complete operation and composition of cells so before you want to go make random cells out of inorganic compounds you gotta find out what your trying to make in the first place.

2. DNA is a structure that was created over time which allowed greater complexity of an organism, thus the first "cells" probably did not have dna and were likely just membrane bubbles that would intake organic compounds or synthesise organic compounds inorder to maintain that membrane -> ect, so no i dont think the DNA would have a plan on how to "build" a cell from scratch, as the cell came before the dna thus the dna never needed to know how to build a cell from scratch.

3. >>2 i wouldnt say DNA by itself is useless...as a virus is basically a chunk of dna surrounded by a protein coat, and that shit fucks you up (eg HIV AIDS)

4. >>3 there are plenty of non living, self replicating entities...like computer viruses ;P

5. what would be the point of creating a working cell from scratch...i mean yes the idea of "growing new limbs" in a jar would be VERY useful, but that is already theoretically possible with stem cells, which would be more efficient + probably cheaper to derive than building cells from scratch.

>>5
5. We could build cool animals from only their DNA.

A DNA strand tells you how to make every single protein in a cell. If you know how to read it, it'll also tell you the relative proportions of those proteins that you need.

There is no information relating anything else, though - size and composition of the lipid bilayer, for instance, or structure and organisation of the Golgi apparatus.

For a simple bacterial cell, you might just be able to get away with it and make a vaguely functioning cell, by making a huge number of assumptions and synthesising the first round of proteins yourself. Anything else... not a chance.

>>5
That experiment was inconclusive.

We're also forgetting that mitochondria also have their own DNA.  Most (if not all) modern eukaryotic organisms require mitochondria for existence.  Granted, it is possible that mitochondrial variation might not be important.

>>1
I recall that an excerpt from Campbell 6th edition has stated that biologists have already created semi alive lipid bubbles.  With the correct chemical influences, they are capable of consumption and reproduction.  I'm not sure if that qualifies as "life", or as imitation self replicating organic entity.

>>6

not quite...you'd think so... but a grain of rice has over 100 thousand gene's and humans only have 30 thousand approx so its not as easy as you might think, most transgenic organisms are sterile and require modification of a pre existing organism...not one from scratch

>>8 yes but it illuminated that it was possible for organic materials to be produced outside living things and thus functioning organic "entities" (unknown if it could be defined as life) could be formed without DNA