Investigation of statistical characteristics of biomolecules in view of current epigenetic developments.

摘要

Functioning of biological objects is not merely a problem of physics and chemistry; it is in essence a problem of the organization of control, which involves a huge amount of information processing. Statistical analysis of structural sequences of biological macromolecules: DNA and Proteins using information theoretical methods reveals huge information deficiency in genetic sequences deeming these biomolecules incapable of supporting the diverse and complex functionality of living systems. An additional source of informational control other than that available through genetic configurations is supposed to come from some kind of epigenetic inheritance. Conventional molecular mechanisms involving DNA methylation, chromatin and histone modifications seem inadequate for comprehensive epigenetic control especially in view of mounting evidences of the inheritance of acquired characteristics transcending down several generations.;We consider the possibility brought in by a working model that elaborates on an informational infrastructure underlying the physical universe. The model is in line with new developments in theoretical physics suggesting the involvement of information as a fundamental constituent of the physical universe. Under this model the baffling mechanism of epigenetic inheritance finds a simple explanation: life is a collective effect; such an explanation is upheld by the triumphant concept of cloud computing. Unlike other models, the presented model supports informational activities of biological processes within its holographic framework, suggesting the degree of utilization of this infrastructure is what signifies the difference between the dead and living matter. The developed approach elucidates the most puzzling physical effect of quantum entanglement.;The suggested organization of epigenetic control lends to straightforward experimental testing. As an example, we outline three most practical types of such experiments that may reveal evidences of the surmised informational interactions. Narrowing the gap of our knowledge in biological control is of huge theoretical and practical significance for biotechnology, medicine, and environmental sciences.