Abstract: Bioinformatic and systems biology developments should be accompanied not only by a plethora of computer tools, but also by an in-depth reflection on the distinctive nature of biological information. In this work we attempt a consistent approach to the multiple varieties of information in the living cell by starting out from the conceptualization of molecular recognition phenomena. Subsequently, an elementary approach to the “informational architectures” behind cellular complexity may be chartered. In the interplay of the different informational architectures two cellular subsystems should be highlighted: on the one side the transcriptional regulatory network, and on the other, the cellular signaling system that is in charge of the interrelationship with the environment. The embodiment of functional agents and the peculiar handling of DNA sequences along the evolutionary process will suggest a parallel with the von Neumann scheme of modern computers, including the cellular capability to “rewrite the DNA rules” along ontogenetic development.

Keywords: Molecular recognition, Informational architectures, DNA addresses, Transcriptional regulatory network, Cellular signaling system, von Neumann scheme.

ACM Classification Keywords: D. Software. D.1 Programming Techniques

Link:

VARIETIES OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION: A MOLECULAR RECOGNITION APPROACH TO SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS

Jorge Navarro, Ángel Goñi-Moreno? & Pedro C. Marijuán

http://www.foibg.com/ijitk/ijitk-vol04/ijitk04-1-p06.pdf