Fellermann, Harold. “Wet artificial life: The construction of artificial living systems.” In Principles of Evolution , pp. 261-280. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2011.
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The creation of artificial cell-like entities – chemical systems that are able to self-replicate and evolve – requires the integration of containers, metabolism, and information. In this chapter, we present possible candidates for these subsystems and the experimental achievements made toward their replication. The discussion focuses on several suggested designs to create artificial cells from nonliving material that are currently being pursued both experimentally and theoretically in several laboratories around the world. One particular approach toward wet artificial life is presented in detail. Finally, the evolutionary advantage of cellular aggregates over naked replicator systems and the evolutionary potential of the various approaches are discussed. The enormous progress toward man-made artificial cells nourishes the hope that wet artificial life might be achieved within the next several years.