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In the last ten years there has been a considerable increase of
interest on the notion of the minimal cell. With this term we
usually mean a cell-like structure containing the minimal and
sufficient number of components to be defined as alive, or at least
capable of displaying some of the fundamental functions of a living
cell. In fact, when we look at extant living cells we realize that
thousands of molecules are organized spatially and functionally in
order to realize what we call cellular life. This fact elicits the
question whether such huge complexity is a necessary condition for
life, or a simpler molecular system can also be defined as alive.
Obviously, the concept of minimal cell encompasses entire families
of cells, from totally synthetic cells, to semi-synthetic ones, to
primitive cell models, to simple biomimetic cellular systems.
Typically, in the experimental approach to the construction of
minimal the main ingredient is the compartment. Lipid vesicles
(liposomes) are used to host simple and complex molecular
transformations, from single or multiple enzymic reactions, to
polymerase chain reactions, to gene expression. Today this research
is seen as part of the broader scenario of synthetic biology but it
is rooted in origins of life studies, because the construction of a
minimal cell might provide biophysical insights into the origins of
primitive cells, and the emergence of life on earth. The volume
provides an overview of physical, biochemical and functional
studies on minimal cells, with emphasis to experimental approaches.
15 International experts report on their innovative contributions
to the construction of minimal cells.
How did life begin on the Earth? The units of life are cells, which
can be defined as bounded systems of molecules that capture energy
and nutrients from the environment -- systems that expand,
reproduce, and evolve over time, often into more complex systems.
This book is the proceedings of a unique meeting, sponsored by NATO
and held in Maratea, Italy, that brought together for the first
time an international group of investigators who share an interest
in how molecules self-assemble into supramolecular structures, and
how those structures may have contributed to the origin of life.
The book is written at a moderately technical level, appropriate
for use by researchers and by students in upper-level undergraduate
and graduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology. The
overall interest of its subject matter provides an excellent
introduction for students who wish to understand how the
foundational knowledge of chemistry and physics can be applied to
one of the most fundamental questions now facing the scientific
community. The editors are pioneers in defining what we mean by the
living state, particularly the manner in which simple molecular
systems can assume complex associations and functions, including
the ability to reproduce. Each chapter of the book presents an
up-to-date report of highly significant research. Two of the
authors received medals from the National Academy of Science USA in
1994, and other research reported in the book has been featured in
internationally recognized journals such Scientific American, Time,
and Discover.
In the last ten years there has been a considerable increase of
interest on the notion of the minimal cell. With this term we
usually mean a cell-like structure containing the minimal and
sufficient number of components to be defined as alive, or at least
capable of displaying some of the fundamental functions of a living
cell. In fact, when we look at extant living cells we realize that
thousands of molecules are organized spatially and functionally in
order to realize what we call cellular life. This fact elicits the
question whether such huge complexity is a necessary condition for
life, or a simpler molecular system can also be defined as alive.
Obviously, the concept of minimal cell encompasses entire families
of cells, from totally synthetic cells, to semi-synthetic ones, to
primitive cell models, to simple biomimetic cellular systems.
Typically, in the experimental approach to the construction of
minimal the main ingredient is the compartment, lipid vesicles
(liposomes) are used to host simple and complex molecular
transformations, from single or multiple enzymic reactions, to
polymerase chain reactions, to gene expression. Today this research
is seen as part of the broader scenario of synthetic biology but it
is rooted in origins of life studies, because the construction of a
minimal cell might provide biophysical insights into the origins of
primitive cells, and the emergence of life on earth. The volume
provides an overview of physical, biochemical and functional
studies on minimal cells, with emphasis to experimental approaches.
15 International experts report on their innovative contributions
to the construction of minimal cells.
How did life begin on the Earth? The units of life are cells, which
can be defined as bounded systems of molecules that capture energy
and nutrients from the environment -- systems that expand,
reproduce, and evolve over time, often into more complex systems.
This book is the proceedings of a unique meeting, sponsored by NATO
and held in Maratea, Italy, that brought together for the first
time an international group of investigators who share an interest
in how molecules self-assemble into supramolecular structures, and
how those structures may have contributed to the origin of life.
The book is written at a moderately technical level, appropriate
for use by researchers and by students in upper-level undergraduate
and graduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology. The
overall interest of its subject matter provides an excellent
introduction for students who wish to understand how the
foundational knowledge of chemistry and physics can be applied to
one of the most fundamental questions now facing the scientific
community. The editors are pioneers in defining what we mean by the
living state, particularly the manner in which simple molecular
systems can assume complex associations and functions, including
the ability to reproduce. Each chapter of the book presents an
up-to-date report of highly significant research. Two of the
authors received medals from the National Academy of Science USA in
1994, and other research reported in the book has been featured in
internationally recognized journals such Scientific American, Time,
and Discover.
Over the past thirty years, a new systemic conception of life has
emerged at the forefront of science. New emphasis has been given to
complexity, networks, and patterns of organisation, leading to a
novel kind of 'systemic' thinking. This volume integrates the
ideas, models, and theories underlying the systems view of life
into a single coherent framework. Taking a broad sweep through
history and across scientific disciplines, the authors examine the
appearance of key concepts such as autopoiesis, dissipative
structures, social networks, and a systemic understanding of
evolution. The implications of the systems view of life for health
care, management, and our global ecological and economic crises are
also discussed. Written primarily for undergraduates, it is also
essential reading for graduate students and researchers interested
in understanding the new systemic conception of life and its
implications for a broad range of professions - from economics and
politics to medicine, psychology and law.
Over the past thirty years, a new systemic conception of life has
emerged at the forefront of science. New emphasis has been given to
complexity, networks, and patterns of organisation, leading to a
novel kind of 'systemic' thinking. This volume integrates the
ideas, models, and theories underlying the systems view of life
into a single coherent framework. Taking a broad sweep through
history and across scientific disciplines, the authors examine the
appearance of key concepts such as autopoiesis, dissipative
structures, social networks, and a systemic understanding of
evolution. The implications of the systems view of life for health
care, management, and our global ecological and economic crises are
also discussed. Written primarily for undergraduates, it is also
essential reading for graduate students and researchers interested
in understanding the new systemic conception of life and its
implications for a broad range of professions - from economics and
politics to medicine, psychology and law.
Addressing the emergence of life from a systems biology
perspective, this new edition has undergone extensive revision,
reflecting changes in scientific understanding and evolution of
thought on the question 'what is life?'. With an emphasis on the
philosophical aspects of science, including the epistemic features
of modern synthetic biology, and also providing an updated view of
the autopoiesis/cognition theory, the book gives an exhaustive
treatment of the biophysical properties of vesicles, seen as the
beginning of the 'road map' to the minimal cell - a road map which
will develop into the question of whether and to what extent
synthetic biology will be capable of making minimal life in the
laboratory. Fully illustrated, accessibly written, directly
challenging the reader with provocative questions, offering
suggestions for research proposals, and including dialogues with
contemporary authors such as Humberto Maturana, Albert Eschenmoser
and Harold Morowitz, this is an ideal resource for researchers and
students across fields including bioengineering, evolutionary
biology, molecular biology, chemistry and chemical engineering.
Addressing the emergence of life from a systems biology
perspective, this new edition has undergone extensive revision,
reflecting changes in scientific understanding and evolution of
thought on the question 'what is life?'. With an emphasis on the
philosophical aspects of science, including the epistemic features
of modern synthetic biology, and also providing an updated view of
the autopoiesis/cognition theory, the book gives an exhaustive
treatment of the biophysical properties of vesicles, seen as the
beginning of the 'road map' to the minimal cell - a road map which
will develop into the question of whether and to what extent
synthetic biology will be capable of making minimal life in the
laboratory. Fully illustrated, accessibly written, directly
challenging the reader with provocative questions, offering
suggestions for research proposals, and including dialogues with
contemporary authors such as Humberto Maturana, Albert Eschenmoser
and Harold Morowitz, this is an ideal resource for researchers and
students across fields including bioengineering, evolutionary
biology, molecular biology, chemistry and chemical engineering.
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