Growth of cells is inherently connected with the origin of life. Despite 4 billion years of evolution there seems to be an upper limit to how fast cells can grow. However, it is poorly understood what physical principles constrain growth. A recent discovery opens a new perspective on what limits cell growth: growth might be limited by the rate at which cells can dissipate Gibbs energy to the environment. Similar to a mechanical machine, which should not be operated above an upper rate, cells apparently also do not function above a critical Gibbs energy dissipation rate. Insight in life’s boundaries forms one of the most pressing scientific challenges in biology, but is also highly relevant for industrial biotechnology.
In this project, we aim to unravel the molecular basis for the upper Gibbs energy dissipation limit. We hypothesize that the energy released in enzymatic reactions of living cells is partly dissipated as work, leading to molecule movement inside cells, too much of which compromises biomolecular functions. Through concerted efforts of industrial stakeholders and academic partners drawing on physics, biology and chemistry, and exploiting in vitro and in vivo experiments and computational analyses, we will investigate how catalysis-induced molecule movement constrains cellular metabolism and growth, leading to fundamental understanding of the limits of cell growth.
Beyond, through a novel ‘pull strategy’ for basic science communication, which we will co-develop between scientists and artists/media designers, this forefront scientific research will also be used to engage with Dutch citizens in an unprecedented manner. Thus, the project will deliver new fundamental insights into the very basics of cellular functioning, which is of key importance to understand the origin of life and for the bio-based economy, but will also involve the broader public in the process of scientific research.
