A single cell is the most awesomely sophisticated molecular machine yet produced. A self-directing, self-replicating micro-factory capable of complex constructions, automated repair and even (like all good sci-fi-sounding devices) self-destruct. The first cells, however, were much less “complex mechanisms” and significantly more “Shake and Bake” – a model that we’re now ready to build ourselves.
It’s amazing how life apparently bootstraps itself together when you just throw together some basic chemicals.
We’re actually talking about a DNA replicating cell, synthesized from scratch, apparently.
How long before I get to design my own pets?
