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Genomically minimal cells, such as JCVI-syn3.0 and JCVI-syn3A, offer an empowering framework to study relationships between genotype and phenotype. With a polygenic basis, the fundamental physiological process of cell division depends on multiple genes of known and unknown function in JCVI-syn3A. A physical description of cellular mechanics can further understanding of the contributions of genes to cell division in this genomically minimal context. We review current knowledge on genes in JCVI-syn3A contributing to two physical parameters relevant to cell division, namely, the surface-area-to-volume ratio and membrane curvature. This physical view of JCVI-syn3A may inform the attribution of gene functions and conserved processes in bacterial physiology, as well as whole-cell models and the engineering of synthetic cells.
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A Journey to the Center of Our Cells
This article written in the popular journal The New Yorker takes a look at how the world's first minimal bacterial cell, which was made by a team from the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in 2016 has been used by both JCVI biologists and many other research groups to investigate the first principles of cellular life. The author, James Somers, writes much of the article using information obtained in his extended interview with JCVI scientist and minimal cell creator John Glass. The article introduces the public to ideas in synthetic biology, evolution, and the history of modern biology.
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- PAR ID:
- 10481499
- Publisher / Repository:
- The New Yorker
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- The New Yorker
- ISSN:
- 2163-3827
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- minimal cell, synthetic biology, synthetic life, JCVI-syn3A
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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