Mirror life is a scientific fantasy leading to a dangerous reality − a synthetic biologist explains how mirror bacteria could conquer life on Earth

Most of the main biological molecules, including all proteins, DNA and RNA, Point in one direction Or another. In other words, they are Chiral, or ladder. Like how your left glove only fits your left hand and your right glove, the spiral molecules can only interact with other particles of compatible weapons.

Two episodes are possible: left and right, called Latin Latinoin Levos And d l Dexter. All life on Earth uses proteins L and D Sugars. until ArchaeaA large group of microorganisms with unusual chemical compositions, adhering to the program to deliver the main molecules they use.

For a long time, scientists were speculating to make biological polymers that would reflect compounds in nature but in the opposite direction – that is, compounds made of proteins and sugars. Recent years have seen some promising developments, including enzymes that can be made Rnas mirror and DNAS Mirror.

When scientists note that these mirror molecules act just like the equivalent of their natural equations, they consider it that it is possible to form a complete vital cell from them. The mirror bacteria in particular had the ability to be a useful basic research tool – perhaps allowing scientists to study a new life tree for the first time and solve many problems in biological engineering and biomus.

This is called Life mirror Live cells made of building blocks with Shirai can have an opposite for those who make up normal life – very similar properties of natural live cells. They can live in the same environment, compete for resources and act as you expect from any living object. They will be able to evade infection from other predators and the immune system because these opponents will not be able to recognize it.

These features are the reason that the researchers, like me, have been attracted to the reversal of life in the first place. But these qualities are also huge insects of this technology that make them a problem.

I The world of the artificial biology Those who are studying with chemistry to create live cells. Me too Biomatic engineering that develops tools For the vital economy. As a chemical through training, the life of the engineering mirror initially looked a great way to answer the foundational questions about biology and apply these results in practice to industry and medicine. I also learned more about immunology and a mirror life environment, however, I realized the potential environmental and health consequences of this technology.

Real concerns about the virtual mirror life

It is important to note that researchers are likely to be At least 10 to 30 years From creating mirror bacteria. On the time scale of a fast -moving field like synthetic biology, a very long nodes. Creating artificial cells is difficult on its own. The creation of these mirrors will require many technical breakthroughs.

However, it will come with a danger. If mirror cells are released into the environment, they are likely to be able to do so quickly It multiplies without great restrictions. The natural mechanisms that keep ecosystems in balance, including infection and predation, will not work on the lives of the mirror.

Bacteria, like most forms of life, are vulnerable to viral infection. These bacterial viruses, Or bacteriaEnter bacteria by linking their surface receptors and then use their cellular machines to repeat them. But just as the left glove is not suitable for right hand, natural bacteria will not recognize mirror cell receptors or be able to use their machines. The mirror life is likely to be virus resistant.

Microorganisms that keep in the environment also keep the bacterial population under examination. they Distinguish food from non -food Using chemical “taste” receptors. Anything related to these receptors, such as bacteria and organic debris, is considered to be edible, while things that cannot be associated with these receptors, such as rocks, are classified as non -implementation. Think about how to eat a dog that is attached to the kitchen floor of the bread, but just smell a spoon and go ahead. The mirror life, to bacterial predators, will be more like a spoon than bread – predators will “inhale them” with their receptors and move forward because these cells cannot be linked.

Safety from eating will be great news for mirror bacteria, because it will allow it to repeat freely. It will be much worse news for the rest of the ecological system, because mirror bacteria may be Square all the nutrients and spread in an irreplaceable way. Even if the mirror bacteria do not attack other beings, they will consume the food sources that other organisms need. And since mirror cells will have much lower mortality rates than normal organisms due to deficiency of predation, they will slowly assume the environment but steadily.

Even if the mirror cells grow more slowly than regular cells, they will be able to grow without stopping them.

Insufficient immunity

Another biological control mechanism will not be able to “inhale” the mirror cells is the immune system.

Your immune cells check everything you find in your blood constantly. The immune cell decision tree is somewhat simple. First, decide whether or not there is something, then compare it to the “self” database – your own cells. If he is alive but not part of you, he must be killed. Mirror cells are possible The first step will not pass From that screen: it will not lead to an immune response because the immune system will not be able to identify or connect mirror cells. This means that mirror cells can affect a wide, unregistered group of hosts.

You may think that the infection of the mirror bacteria can be treated with antibiotics of the same ladder. It is likely to work, and it may be easier for your bumps than regular antibiotics. because Antibiotics are also deliveredMirror versions of these medications will not affect your intestine microbiome, just like how regular anti -anti -anti -antibiotics do not affect the mirror cells.

But human beings are relatively Small part From the environmental system. All other animals and plants may be vulnerable to infection from mirror pathogens. Although it is possible to imagine the development of antibiotics for the mirror to treat human infections, it is physically impossible to treat the entire plant and animal world. If all living organisms are even vulnerable to slow -moving infections by mirror bacteria, there is no good treatment that can be spread through the entire ecosystem.

Best safe from sorry

Mirror Life is an exciting search theme and a potential tool with some practical applications in medicine and biotechnology. But for many scholars, including me, no of these benefits exceeds the dire consequences of human health and the environment that reflects life.

A group of researchers in immunology, environment, vital safety and security – including some who are active to actively work on a mirror life – have a comprehensive analysis of potential concerns regarding the creation of a mirror life. Regardless of the way we looked, directly or in the mirror, the conclusions were clear: the potential benefits of the engineering mirror life are Not worth the risk.

There is no way to make anything completely guaranteed, and this includes any combined guarantees in a mirror cell that can prevent the risk of accidental or deliberate edition in the environment. Researchers working in this field, including the United States, may find this disappointment. But not making mirror cells can ensure the safety and security of the planet. More discussion between the global scientific community on the types of research on vital mirror molecules and safe relevant technologies – as well as how to organize this research – can help protect potential damage.

Keeping the mirror cells inside the mirror, instead of making it a physical fact, is a way to stay safe.

This article has been republished from ConversationAn independent, non -profit news organization brings you facts and trusted analysis to help you understand our complex world. Written by: Kate Adamalaand Minnesota University

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Kate Adamala does not work, consulting, owns, or receives funding from any company or institution that would benefit from this article, and has not revealed any related affiliations that exceed its academic appointment.