Integrated Calendar

Life is a physical process and the hallmarks of wet carbon based life mainly emerge from the interconnected functions of three subsystems:
information, metabolism and container. Based on these subsystems we seek to assemble a minimal self-replicating supramolecular system, a so-called protocell, which mimics the main functions of a living cell although in a much simplified manner. Our system can take up resources from its environment, convert them into its building blocks, grow and divide, in part controlled by heritable information. Selection and thus evolution becomes possible in such a system as the inheritable information can change from one generation to the next. Based on our experimental, computational and theoretical work I will present protocell feeding, growth, division, motility as well as information controlled metabolic production of containers. These protocellular components and molecular functionalities form part of an artificial
sub-cellular matrix, which is the central theme for the EU sponsored
project MATCHIT, in which our Weizmann partners are involved in.

I will outline progress towards a novel kind of life that links local electronics with real chemistry via electrodes and optical feedback.
Electronics currently supports our information technology while synthetic chemistry underlies our construction technology. A direct link of electronics with DNA processing and chemical synthesis can potentially accelerate the quest for artificial life. Our work concentrates on building a rich combinatorially programmable system in which genetics is shared between molecules and electronics, and so both subsystems can coevolve. The two main roadblocks I see in this quest are to regulate creativity in artificial evolution and to rationally design chemical systems that capture the functional architecture of cells in a minimally complex way. Electronic chemical cells may soon provide some insights in this respect supported
by the EU through the project ECCell.

If you require further information, please contact Igal Nevo (3822)