Cèl·lules mínimes: evolució i disseny

Authors

  • Rosario Gil

Abstract

All known living organisms are made of cells, and each cell stores all necessary information for its proper performance in its genome. The possibility to study and compare complete genomes from many organisms allows the characterization of a genetic core that is essential to keep a cell alive in a defined environment. In this article we analyze how the study of naturally reduced genomes has deepen our knowledge on the elements that are essential for life, and how the definition of a theoretical minimal cell can help us to design and engineer novel semiartificial cells. In additions to their potential for biotechnological or biomedical applications, the study of such minimal cells can help us to understand the essence of life.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2009-04-22