The Minimal Cell

Author : Pier Luigi Luisi,Pasquale Stano
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 298 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2010-11-01
Category : Medical
ISBN : 9789048199440

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The Minimal Cell by Pier Luigi Luisi,Pasquale Stano Pdf

In the last ten years there has been a considerable increase of interest on the notion of the minimal cell. With this term we usually mean a cell-like structure containing the minimal and sufficient number of components to be defined as alive, or at least capable of displaying some of the fundamental functions of a living cell. In fact, when we look at extant living cells we realize that thousands of molecules are organized spatially and functionally in order to realize what we call cellular life. This fact elicits the question whether such huge complexity is a necessary condition for life, or a simpler molecular system can also be defined as alive. Obviously, the concept of minimal cell encompasses entire families of cells, from totally synthetic cells, to semi-synthetic ones, to primitive cell models, to simple biomimetic cellular systems. Typically, in the experimental approach to the construction of minimal the main ingredient is the compartment. Lipid vesicles (liposomes) are used to host simple and complex molecular transformations, from single or multiple enzymic reactions, to polymerase chain reactions, to gene expression. Today this research is seen as part of the broader scenario of synthetic biology but it is rooted in origins of life studies, because the construction of a minimal cell might provide biophysical insights into the origins of primitive cells, and the emergence of life on earth. The volume provides an overview of physical, biochemical and functional studies on minimal cells, with emphasis to experimental approaches. 15 International experts report on their innovative contributions to the construction of minimal cells.

Author : Alvaro R. Lara,Guillermo Gosset
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 233 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2019-12-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783030318970

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Minimal Cells: Design, Construction, Biotechnological Applications by Alvaro R. Lara,Guillermo Gosset Pdf

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the design, generation and characterization of minimal cell systems. Written by leading experts, it presents an in-depth analysis of the current issues and challenges in the field, including recent advances in the generation and characterization of reduced-genome strains generated from model organisms with relevance in biotechnology, and basic research such as Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum and yeast. It also discusses methodologies, such as bottom-up and top-down genome minimization strategies, as well as novel analytical and experimental approaches to characterize and generate minimal cells. Lastly, it presents the latest research related to minimal cells of serveral microorganisms, e.g. Bacillus subtilis. The design of biological systems for biotechnological purposes employs strategies aimed at optimizing specific tasks. This approach is based on enhancing certain biological functions while reducing other capacities that are not required or that could be detrimental to the desired objective. A highly optimized cell factory would be expected to have only the capacity for reproduction and for performing the expected task. Such a hypothetical organism would be considered a minimal cell. At present, numerous research groups in academia and industry are exploring the theoretical and practical implications of constructing and using minimal cells and are providing valuable fundamental insights into the characteristics of minimal genomes, leading to an understanding of the essential gene set. In addition, research in this field is providing valuable information on the physiology of minimal cells and their utilization as a biological chassis to which useful biotechnological functions can be added.

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications,Steering Group for the Workshop on Size Limits of Very Small Microorganisms
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 164 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 1999-09-13
Category : Science
ISBN : 0309172748

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Size Limits of Very Small Microorganisms by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications,Steering Group for the Workshop on Size Limits of Very Small Microorganisms Pdf

How small can a free-living organism be? On the surface, this question is straightforward-in principle, the smallest cells can be identified and measured. But understanding what factors determine this lower limit, and addressing the host of other questions that follow on from this knowledge, require a fundamental understanding of the chemistry and ecology of cellular life. The recent report of evidence for life in a martian meteorite and the prospect of searching for biological signatures in intelligently chosen samples from Mars and elsewhere bring a new immediacy to such questions. How do we recognize the morphological or chemical remnants of life in rocks deposited 4 billion years ago on another planet? Are the empirical limits on cell size identified by observation on Earth applicable to life wherever it may occur, or is minimum size a function of the particular chemistry of an individual planetary surface? These questions formed the focus of a workshop on the size limits of very small organisms, organized by the Steering .Group for the Workshop on Size Limits of Very Small Microorganisms and held on October 22 and 23, 1998. Eighteen invited panelists, representing fields ranging from cell biology and molecular genetics to paleontology and mineralogy, joined with an almost equal number of other participants in a wide-ranging exploration of minimum cell size and the challenge of interpreting micro- and nano-scale features of sedimentary rocks found on Earth or elsewhere in the solar system. This document contains the proceedings of that workshop. It includes position papers presented by the individual panelists, arranged by panel, along with a summary, for each of the four sessions, of extensive roundtable discussions that involved the panelists as well as other workshop participants.

Author : Bruce Alberts
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 40,9 Mb
Release : 2002
Category : Cytology
ISBN : 0815332181

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Molecular Biology of The Cell by Bruce Alberts Pdf

Author : Ron Milo,Rob Phillips
Publisher : Garland Science
Page : 400 pages
File Size : 49,5 Mb
Release : 2015-12-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781317230694

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Cell Biology by the Numbers by Ron Milo,Rob Phillips Pdf

A Top 25 CHOICE 2016 Title, and recipient of the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title (OAT) Award. How much energy is released in ATP hydrolysis? How many mRNAs are in a cell? How genetically similar are two random people? What is faster, transcription or translation?Cell Biology by the Numbers explores these questions and dozens of others provid

Author : Shmuel Razin,Richard Herrmann
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 574 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2007-05-08
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780306476068

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Molecular Biology and Pathogenicity of Mycoplasmas by Shmuel Razin,Richard Herrmann Pdf

was the result of the efforts of Robert Cleverdon. The rapidly developing discipline of molecular biology and the rapidly expanding knowledge of the PPLO were brought together at this meeting. In addition to the PPLO specialists, the conference invited Julius Marmur to compare PPLO DNA to DNA of other organisms; David Garfinkel, who was one of the first to develop computer models of metabolism; Cyrus Levinthal to talk about coding; and Henry Quastler to discuss information theory constraints on very small cells. The conference was an announcement of the role of PPLO in the fundamental understanding of molecular biology. Looking back 40-some years to the Connecticut meeting, it was a rather bold enterprise. The meeting was international and inter-disciplinary and began a series of important collaborations with influences resonating down to the present. If I may be allowed a personal remark, it was where I first met Shmuel Razin, who has been a leading figure in the emerging mycoplasma research and a good friend. This present volume is in some ways the fulfillment of the promise of that early meeting. It is an example of the collaborative work of scientists in building an understanding of fundamental aspects of biology.

Author : F.J. de Bruijn,James R. Lupski,G.M. Weinstock
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 786 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2012-12-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781461563693

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Bacterial Genomes by F.J. de Bruijn,James R. Lupski,G.M. Weinstock Pdf

A wide range of microbiologists, molecular biologists, and molecular evolutionary biologists will find this new volume of singular interest. It summarizes the present knowledge about the structure and stability of microbial genomes, and reviews the techniques used to analyze and fingerprint them. Maps of approximately thirty important microbes, along with articles on the construction and relevant features of the maps are included. The volume is not intended as a complete compendium of all information on microbial genomes, but rather focuses on approaches, methods and good examples of the analysis of small genomes.

Author : Samantha Fowler,Rebecca Roush,James Wise
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 618 pages
File Size : 44,5 Mb
Release : 2018-01-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9888407457

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Concepts of Biology by Samantha Fowler,Rebecca Roush,James Wise Pdf

Concepts of Biology is designed for the single-semester introduction to biology course for non-science majors, which for many students is their only college-level science course. As such, this course represents an important opportunity for students to develop the necessary knowledge, tools, and skills to make informed decisions as they continue with their lives. Rather than being mired down with facts and vocabulary, the typical non-science major student needs information presented in a way that is easy to read and understand. Even more importantly, the content should be meaningful. Students do much better when they understand why biology is relevant to their everyday lives. For these reasons, Concepts of Biology is grounded on an evolutionary basis and includes exciting features that highlight careers in the biological sciences and everyday applications of the concepts at hand.We also strive to show the interconnectedness of topics within this extremely broad discipline. In order to meet the needs of today's instructors and students, we maintain the overall organization and coverage found in most syllabi for this course. A strength of Concepts of Biology is that instructors can customize the book, adapting it to the approach that works best in their classroom. Concepts of Biology also includes an innovative art program that incorporates critical thinking and clicker questions to help students understand--and apply--key concepts.

Author : Pongali Raghavendra,Thammineni Pullaiah
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 298 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 2018-01-10
Category : Medical
ISBN : 9780128136805

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Advances in Cell and Molecular Diagnostics by Pongali Raghavendra,Thammineni Pullaiah Pdf

Advances in Cell and Molecular Diagnostics brings the scientific advances in the translation and validation of cellular and molecular discoveries in medicine into the clinical diagnostic setting. It enumerates the description and application of technological advances in the field of cellular and molecular diagnostic medicine, providing an overview of specialized fields, such as biomarker, genetic marker, screening, DNA-profiling, NGS, cytogenetics, transcriptome, cancer biomarkers, prostate specific antigen, and biomarker toxicologies. In addition, it presents novel discoveries and clinical pathologic correlations, including studies in oncology, infectious diseases, inherited diseases, predisposition to disease, and the description or polymorphisms linked to disease states. This book is a valuable resource for oncologists, practitioners and several members of the biomedical field who are interested in understanding how to apply cutting-edge technologies into diagnostics and healthcare. Encompasses the current scientific advances in the translation and validation of cellular and molecular discoveries into the clinical diagnostic setting Explains the application of cellular and molecular diagnostics methodologies in clinical trials Focuses on translating preclinical tests to the bedside in order to help readers apply the most recent technologies to healthcare

Author : Vijai Singh
Publisher : Academic Press
Page : 487 pages
File Size : 41,8 Mb
Release : 2022-01-12
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780323859868

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New Frontiers and Applications of Synthetic Biology by Vijai Singh Pdf

New Frontiers and Applications of Synthetic Biology presents a collection of chapters from eminent synthetic biologists across the globe who have established experience and expertise working with synthetic biology. This book offers several important areas of synthetic biology which allow us to read and understand easily. It covers the introduction of synthetic biology and design of promoter, new DNA synthesis and sequencing technology, genome assembly, minimal cells, small synthetic RNA, directed evolution, protein engineering, computational tools, de novo synthesis, phage engineering, a sensor for microorganisms, next-generation diagnostic tools, CRISPR-Cas systems, and more. This book is a good source for not only researchers in designing synthetic biology, but also for researchers, students, synthetic biologists, metabolic engineers, genome engineers, clinicians, industrialists, stakeholders and policymakers interested in harnessing the potential of synthetic biology in many areas. Offers basic understanding and knowledge in several aspects of synthetic biology Covers state-of-the-art tools and technologies of synthetic biology, including promoter design, DNA synthesis, DNA sequencing, genome design, directed evolution, protein engineering, computational tools, phage design, CRISPR-Cas systems, and more Discusses the applications of synthetic biology for smart drugs, vaccines, therapeutics, drug discovery, self-assembled materials, cell free systems, microfluidics, and more

Author : Lou Van den Dries
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 196 pages
File Size : 53,9 Mb
Release : 1998-05-07
Category : Mathematics
ISBN : 9780521598385

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Tame Topology and O-minimal Structures by Lou Van den Dries Pdf

These notes give a self-contained treatment of the theory of o-minimal structures from a geometric and topological viewpoint, assuming only rudimentary algebra and analysis. This book should be of interest to model theorists, analytic geometers and topologists.

Author : Antoine Danchin
Publisher : Harvard University Press
Page : 396 pages
File Size : 50,8 Mb
Release : 2002
Category : Science
ISBN : 0674009304

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The Delphic Boat by Antoine Danchin Pdf

By the end of 2001, almost 500 genome programs were completed or under way. Drawing upon what researchers worldwide are learning from the gene sequences of bacteria, plants, fungi, fruit flies, worms, and humans, Danchin shows us how genomes are far more than mere collections of genes.

Author : Dilek Ercili-Cura,Dorothee Barth
Publisher : American Chemical Society
Page : 186 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2021-03-16
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9780841299085

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Cellular Agriculture by Dilek Ercili-Cura,Dorothee Barth Pdf

Cellular agriculture, also called lab-grown food, promises to provide alternative food options to current agriculture practices. Cellular agriculture is food grown in laboratories and bioreactors rather than on fields, relying on cultivation of cells under controlled conditions, with minimal use of natural resources and lower greenhouse gas emission costs than in traditional practices. It gives us the prospect of consuming the same foods such as a dairy ice cream or a burger. And it can further broaden the variety of textures, flavors, nutrition, and health-promoting aspects that food can deliver. Cellular Agriculture: Lab-Grown Foods gives an overview of the broad range of approaches to cellular agriculture, the current state of scale and regulations, and the results it brings about in terms of environmental footprint and consumer attitudes. Cellular Agriculture: Lab-Grown Foods was organized by Solar Foods, a food-tech company that develops a cell-based food protein produced from CO2 and electricity. A fruitful collaboration with VTT Technical Research Center of Finland Ltd allowed conceptualizing and streamlining of the written and visual content in the book.

Author : Andrei L. Osterman,Svetlana Y. Gerdes
Publisher : Humana Press
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2008-02-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 1588293785

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Microbial Gene Essentiality: Protocols and Bioinformatics by Andrei L. Osterman,Svetlana Y. Gerdes Pdf

This book contains a comprehensive collection of experimental and computational strategies and techniques for microbial genome-scale essentiality studies, developed and presented by the leading groups in the field. It contains detailed description of the procedures, discussion of potential difficulties and failures. All protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format.

Author : Rupert Glasgow
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
Page : 394 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 2017-06-13
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9783958260528

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The Minimal Self by Rupert Glasgow Pdf

'Self' is a term that is much used but often poorly understood or over-hastily dismissed. In The Minimal Self R.D.V. Glasgow seeks to unearth the underlying nature of selfhood. Glasgow's approach is based upon the notion of 'intrinsic reflexivity', which manifests itself in three fundamental forms: self-maintenance, self-reproduction and self-containment. Through a conceptual analysis of selfhood, Glasgow aims to ascertain what distinguishes full forms of minimal selfhood from entities such as genes and viruses that are merely selfish or self-like. The idea is to establish the logical prerequisites for the transition from a world bereft of selfhood to one populated by selves like us. Minimal selfhood thus provides a bridge linking philosophy, biology and other disciplines that have previously failed to coincide in their understanding of what a self is.