A group of synthetic biologists report they've created an organism with a minimum number of genes required for survival and reproduction. Humans have about 20,000 genes, and this new single-celled organism has only 473 genes. That makes it the smallest genome of any known living thing that can reproduce. The goal is to be able to design cells that could produce new industrial products such as chemicals and fuels from raw materials. Listen to hear more about the potential of this new creation.
Story Length: 3:19
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