A remarkably small bacterium containing fewer than 500 genes serves as the basis for one of the most detailed digital life reconstructions ever created. Using computer technology, scientists have reconstructed in detail the complete lifecycle of this minimal living cell. They monitored that entire lifecycle from the DNA replication phase through the protein production phase and finally through the cell division phase. The simulated minimal cell behaves like a natural organism to such an extent that the predicted lifecycle of the virtual minimal cell and the actual biological minimal cell are within two minutes of each other. Building a Digital Minimal Cell The aim of this large project was to develop a digital model of the cellular processes in this bacterium called JCVI-syn3A, or simply Syn3A. This organism was developed at the J. Craig Venter Institute and has only those genes necessary for the essential functions of a living microorganism. The research team included, from left, chemistry professor Angad Mehta, graduate student Enguang Fu, postdoctoral fellow Zane Thornburg, chemistry professor Zan Luthey-Schulten and graduate student …