Researchers at the University of Minnesota reported a synthetic cell system that can undergo a few rounds of division. The system encloses a set of seven circular DNA molecules within a membrane and imports small molecules through an engineered pore protein. It uses viral-derived enzymes to replicate DNA and to produce RNA, and it relies on purified translation factors to make proteins. When nutrients are supplied externally, the cells grow and then divide, producing offspring that inherit a random subset of the genetic material. After five divisions, most cells are missing at least one DNA segment. The team, led by Kate Adamala, noted that selection for faster growth was observed in the population. The manuscript describing the work has been posted online but has not undergone peer review. The researchers suggest the system can be used to explore questions about the origin of life and the minimal requirements for a living cell.