Quote:
Originally Posted by Jo  Thanks SS.
I'm not sure whether the artificial single cell Venter made reproduces or just gets bigger? I will read more tomorrow.
So he used a computer to assist with inputting artificial DNA into bacterium to a point where the bacterium's own DNA got pushed out - creating a completely synthetic living cell.
sheeesh
Jo xxx |
Jo -
I would imagine they replicate like any other bacteria (given a food source).
You might want to look into Ned Seeman's work. He has a lab at NYU where the dna for these types of things is created (called dna nanotechnology):
Ned Seeman's Home Page
SS
PS - Yes, basically. The dna is removed and replaced by the new dna. It is really only one step further than bioengineering, where the original dna is left but is modified by changing a gene or two - sometimes taking these genes from completely different species.