The spelling of the word "Cellfree System" is derived from its phonetic transcription. In IPA, the word is pronounced as /sɛlfri ˈsɪstəm/. The first part of the word, "cell" is pronounced as /sɛl/, while the second part "free" is pronounced as /fri/. The stressed syllable in the word is "sys", which is pronounced as /sɪst/. Overall, the word "Cellfree System" refers to a system or process that eliminates the presence of cells, making it useful for various laboratory experiments and research studies.
A cell-free system refers to a laboratory platform that allows molecular and biochemical reactions to occur outside the confines of living cells. It is a powerful tool used in various fields of research, including synthetic biology, bioengineering, and biotechnology.
In a cell-free system, the cellular components responsible for genetic expression, transcription, translation, and protein synthesis are extracted or synthesized in a controlled environment. This system typically consists of a cell lysate, which is the liquid portion containing all the necessary cellular components, such as nucleotides, amino acids, ribosomes, enzymes, and cofactors. By isolating these components, researchers can manipulate and study specific cellular processes in a controlled and simplified manner.
The advantages of a cell-free system include the ability to engineer and study cellular processes without the constraints and complexities associated with living cells. It allows for faster and more efficient analysis of specific genetic circuits and pathways. Furthermore, cell-free systems provide a high degree of modularity, as different components can be easily added or removed for specific experiments or applications.
Cell-free systems have broad applications, including protein synthesis, metabolic engineering, production of pharmaceuticals, and DNA/RNA analysis. They have proven to be a valuable tool for designing and testing genetic circuits, analyzing cellular pathways, studying protein-protein interactions, and developing therapeutic molecules. Ultimately, cell-free systems offer significant flexibility and control for researchers to explore the inner workings of cells and design novel biological functions.
The term "Cellfree System" is a composed term using the words "cell" and "free". Let's break down their individual etymology:
1. "Cell":
The word "cell" originated from the Latin word "cella", meaning a small room or chamber. It was initially used to describe the basic structural unit of all living organisms, which was discovered by Robert Hooke in the mid-17th century. Hooke observed the small compartments in cork and likened them to the cells he inhabited as a monk. Since then, "cell" has become a fundamental term in biology to refer to the building blocks of life.
2. "Free":
The word "free" has its roots in the Old English word "freo", which meant devoid of or not under the control or domination of others.