Lewis Grozinger , Bruno Cuevas-Zuviría , Ángel Goñi-Moreno
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Biological systems inherently perform computations, inspiring synthetic biologists to engineer biological systems capable of executing predefined computational functions for diverse applications. Typically, this involves applying principles from the design of conventional silicon-based computers to create novel biological systems, such as genetic Boolean gates and circuits. However, the natural evolution of biological computation has not adhered to these principles, and this distinction warrants careful consideration. Here, we explore several concepts connecting computational theory, living cells, and computers, which may offer insights into the development of increasingly sophisticated biological computations. While conventional computers approach theoretical limits, solving nearly all problems that are computationally solvable, biological computers have the opportunity to outperform them in specific niches and problem domains. Crucially, biocomputation does not necessarily need to scale to rival or replicate the capabilities of electronic computation. Rather, efforts to re-engineer biology must recognise that life has evolved and optimised itself to solve specific problems using its own principles. Consequently, intelligently designed cellular computations will diverge from traditional computing in both implementation and application.
期刊介绍:
Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology is a review journal dedicated to keeping scientists informed of developments in the field of molecular cell and developmental biology, on a topic by topic basis. Each issue is thematic in approach, devoted to an important topic of interest to cell and developmental biologists, focusing on the latest advances and their specific implications.
The aim of each issue is to provide a coordinated, readable, and lively review of a selected area, published rapidly to ensure currency.