Creating a cell, not from another cell. Will it be possible?

Question

If some time in the future, we can know exactly what a cell (for example simple prokaryote bacteria) contains, (I mean, exactly which molecules, the shape of them, the density of each, everything), Then can we create a new cell (not from another cell)?I mean, if we have such technology, then create a soup just like what that cell contains, and a DNA exactly same as that bacteria cell, and then put some of it inside a Cell membrane, will it start living?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, no. Just because you have all the ingredients to make something doesn't mean that it will function. Let's take the example of soup. If you throw all the ingredients of soup into a container and add heat, that will not give what you wanted..i.e. a bowl of soup. The same goes for cells.

Scientists are still working on identifying how a cell actually functions. Even in the future, given how immensely complex life is, I would imagine we still would not know how to do what you are suggesting.

However, to end on a positive note, there has been enormous progress with changing or adding structures to cells and finding they function in novel ways. In the future, I do think this will continue to progress. Thanks for the question!

Answer 2

Yes, most likely. Synthetic biology is a field in which there is current research. Given the correct coding (DNA), structure, and raw materials, a synthetic cell would behave like any other. Most of the research at the moment is into what genes are absolutely required, and what genes can we alter or eliminate.