Figure 1

A Semi-synthetic minimal cell. Semi-synthetic minimal cells are composed of the minimal number of genes, enzymes, ribosomes, tRNAs and low molecular weight compounds that are encapsulated within a synthetic compartment as in the case of lipid vesicles. The resulting construct, which is similar to living cells and displays minimal living properties (self-maintenance, self-reproduction and possibility to evolve) is generally designed on the basis of the minimal number of functions required and on the minimal complexity of the biochemical elements needed for its construction. Reproduced from [35] with permission of Elsevier.