Synthetic Life Created in the Lab

Easy version (A2–B1)

Scientists have created tiny cells in the lab. These cells can grow and multiply. They are made from special DNA. This work helps us understand how life starts. The cells are called SpudCells. They are not as good as natural cells yet.

Standard version (B1–B2)

Researchers have developed synthetic cells known as SpudCells, which are made from lab-created DNA. These tiny, quivering spheres can feed, grow, and multiply, demonstrating a complete cell cycle. This breakthrough raises the possibility of creating artificial organisms for producing drugs, food, and fuel, while also exploring how life emerges from non-living matter.

Advanced version (C1–C2)

In a significant advancement towards synthetic biology, researchers at the University of Minnesota have engineered synthetic cells called SpudCells, which utilize lab-made DNA to exhibit growth, genetic replication, and division. These tiny, quivering spheres, constructed from chemical compounds, represent a pioneering effort to create life from the ground up, diverging from previous attempts that modified existing organisms. While these cells are not as efficient as natural cells, they provide a foundational understanding of biological engineering and the potential for creating artificial organisms capable of producing essential materials like drugs and fuels. This research also prompts deeper inquiries into the nature of life itself, as it seeks to unravel the transition from inanimate matter to living systems.