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Creating cells from DNA

Name: Anonymous 2007-09-19 13:40 ID:0vzzPU+N

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.

Name: Anonymous 2007-09-20 5:32 ID:56OTvqwb

>>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.

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