Why DNA?: From DNA Sequence to Biological Complexity

Information is essential for the evolution of biological complexity, and DNA is uniquely adapted to store and utilize genetic information. This volume explores how DNA has become the predominant genetic material and how its informational properties have contributed to the expansion of biological diversity and ecosystem stability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Information plays a vital role in the evolution of biological complexity, a physical system that relies on a steady energy supply. Biology serves as an excellent illustration of the Darwinian selection of mechanisms that optimize energy utilization. Genetic information, supported by the Watson-Crick base-pairing rules, is predominantly encoded by DNA, a molecule that has evolved specifically to fulfill its roles in information storage and utilization. This volume explores two fundamental questions. Firstly, it examines the characteristics of the molecule that have made it the dominant genetic material in the biological realm today. Secondly, it investigates the extent to which the informational properties of the molecule have contributed to the expansion of biological diversity and the stability of ecosystems. The author contends that by bringing these two seemingly unrelated topics together, it is possible to revisit Schrödinger's What is Life?, published before the structure of DNA was known, and examine his ideas within the context of our current biological understanding.

Information is central to the evolution of biological complexity, a physical system relying on a continuous supply of energy.

Biology provides superb examples of the consequent Darwinian selection of mechanisms for efficient energy utilisation.

Genetic information, underpinned by the Watson-Crick base-pairing rules, is largely encoded by DNA, a molecule uniquely adapted to its roles in information storage and utilisation.

This volume addresses two fundamental questions.

Firstly, it examines the properties of the molecule that have enabled it to become the predominant genetic material in the biological world today.

Secondly, it investigates the extent to which the informational properties of the molecule have contributed to the expansion of biological diversity and the stability of ecosystems.

The author argues that bringing these two seemingly unrelated topics together enables Schrödinger's What is Life?, published before the structure of DNA was known, to be revisited and his ideas examined in the context of our current biological understanding.

ISBN-13: 9781107697522