The expansion of knowledge in molecular biology is matched only by the scale of modern astronomical surveys in astrophysics. The end of last century brought the completion of the human genome project. We now have a nearly complete assembly of the human genome, with more than 20,000 protein-coding genes, with at least ten times as many more splice isoforms, and yet another exponential increase in diversity by post-translational protein modifications. We have observed at least 200 different types of cells in various tissues and organs in our bodies, and each new year brings discovery of yet others. The function of our organs and tissues is defined in large part by the expression of distinct molecules with specific activities in individual cells. What is the physical basis for order in such a complex system?
Signaling expanse.
Signaling expanse.
Signaling expanse.
The expansion of knowledge in molecular biology is matched only by the scale of modern astronomical surveys in astrophysics. The end of last century brought the completion of the human genome project. We now have a nearly complete assembly of the human genome, with more than 20,000 protein-coding genes, with at least ten times as many more splice isoforms, and yet another exponential increase in diversity by post-translational protein modifications. We have observed at least 200 different types of cells in various tissues and organs in our bodies, and each new year brings discovery of yet others. The function of our organs and tissues is defined in large part by the expression of distinct molecules with specific activities in individual cells. What is the physical basis for order in such a complex system?