On Programs and Genomes

Abstract

We outline the global control architecture of genomes. A theory of genomic control information is presented. The concept of a developmental control network called a cene (for control gene) is introduced. We distinguish parts-genes from control genes or cenes. Cenes are interpreted and executed by the cell and, thereby, direct cell actions including communication, growth, division, differentiation and multi-cellular development. The cenome is the global developmental control network in the genome. The cenome is also a cene that consists of interlinked sub-cenes that guide the ontogeny of the organism. The complexity of organisms is linked to the complexity of the cenome. The relevance to ontogeny and evolution is mentioned. We introduce the concept of a universal cell and a universal genome.

This a slightly extended version of Part I of a position paper distributed on November 18, 2007 to the participants of our Balliol Seminar on the Conceptual Foundations of Systems Biology. It presented my ideas on the global control architecture of genomes. Denis Noble and myself started the seminar in the Michaelmas term in the autumn of 2006 at Balliol College, University of Oxford

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