The article discusses the potential of synthesizing simple living cells through directed evolution and membrane biophysics. The authors highlight the challenges and scientific advancements required to achieve this goal, emphasizing the need for a collection of molecules that can self-assemble into a living organism. They propose a "RNA world" hypothesis, where primordial cells lack protein synthesis and use RNA for both genetic information storage and catalytic functions. The key components of a synthetic cell include an RNA replicase and a lipid membrane, which must be able to replicate and divide autonomously. The authors detail the experimental progress in evolving RNA replicases and the properties required for vesicle growth and division. They also explore the coupling of the replicase and vesicle to enable Darwinian evolution, suggesting that the emergence of biochemical complexity will drive the evolution of more sophisticated cellular functions. The article concludes by outlining the experimental possibilities and the potential insights into early life evolution.The article discusses the potential of synthesizing simple living cells through directed evolution and membrane biophysics. The authors highlight the challenges and scientific advancements required to achieve this goal, emphasizing the need for a collection of molecules that can self-assemble into a living organism. They propose a "RNA world" hypothesis, where primordial cells lack protein synthesis and use RNA for both genetic information storage and catalytic functions. The key components of a synthetic cell include an RNA replicase and a lipid membrane, which must be able to replicate and divide autonomously. The authors detail the experimental progress in evolving RNA replicases and the properties required for vesicle growth and division. They also explore the coupling of the replicase and vesicle to enable Darwinian evolution, suggesting that the emergence of biochemical complexity will drive the evolution of more sophisticated cellular functions. The article concludes by outlining the experimental possibilities and the potential insights into early life evolution.