2 months ago
- DNA in living cells is a computing environment that can be described using computer terminology, with elements like digital storage, redundancy, and algorithms.
- DNA is digital: 2 bits per nucleotide, with human genome at 750MB, pufferfish at 100MB, and virus at 5KB.
- DNA structure is internally redundant like a RAID1 array, with occasional spare helices leading to specific effects.
- The ribosome acts as a 3D printer building proteins from DNA using 21 amino acids and the codon table.
- Bacteria implement Boolean logic (Lac operon) to regulate glucose levels using DNA and proteins.
- Viruses exploit computer-like systems, and RNA-SEQ is analogous to running 'top' on a living cell.
- Topics covered include gene definition, insulin function calls, DNA code reuse (Okazaki fragments), CRISPR, and genetic fingerprinting.