Stochastic simulations of minimal cells: the Ribocell model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Over the last two decades, lipid compartments (liposomes, lipid-coated droplets) have been extensively used as in vitro "minimal" cell models. In particular, simple and complex biomolecular reactions have been carried out inside these self-assembled micro- and nano-sized compartments, leading to the synthesis of RNA and functional proteins inside liposomes. Despite this experimental progress, a detailed physical understanding of the underlying dynamics is missing. In particular, the combination of solute compartmentalization, reactivity and stochastic effects has not yet been clarified. A combination of experimental and computational approaches can reveal interesting mechanisms governing the behavior of micro compartmentalized systems, in particular by highlighting the i

SUBMITTER: Mavelli F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3303737 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature