1. Efficient Switches in Biology and Computer Science
- Author
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Cardelli, Luca, Hernansaiz-Ballesteros, RD, Dalchau, N, Csikász-Nagy, A, Stelling, J, and Stelling, J
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Large class ,Theoretical computer science ,Computer science ,Computational algorithm ,Systems Science ,Biochemistry ,Signal ,Electronics Engineering ,Cell Cycle and Cell Division ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,Signal processing ,Ecology ,Applied Mathematics ,Simulation and Modeling ,Systems Biology ,Cell Cycle ,Enzymes ,Computational Theory and Mathematics ,Computer engineering ,Cell Processes ,Modeling and Simulation ,Perspective ,Physical Sciences ,Engineering and Technology ,Algorithms ,Computer and Information Sciences ,Noise reduction ,Systems biology ,Wiring Diagrams ,Research and Analysis Methods ,03 medical and health sciences ,Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience ,Genetics ,Molecular Biology ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Positive feedback ,Structure (mathematical logic) ,Computers ,Data Visualization ,Phosphatases ,Computational Biology ,Biology and Life Sciences ,Proteins ,Cell Biology ,Noise Reduction ,Species Interactions ,030104 developmental biology ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,Signal Processing ,Enzymology ,Mathematics - Abstract
Biological systems are adapted to respond quickly to changes in their environment. Signal processing often leads to all-or-none switch-like activation of downstream pathways. Such biological switches are based on molecular interactions that form positive feedback loops. Proper signal processing and switching have to be made by the noisy interactions of fluctuating molecular components; still, switching has to happen quickly once a threshold in the input signal is reached. Several computing algorithms have been designed to perform similar all-or-none decisions with high efficiency. We discuss here how the structure and dynamical features of a computational algorithm resemble the behaviour of a large class of biological switches and what makes them work efficiently. Furthermore, we highlight what biologists can learn by looking at specific features of computational algorithms.
- Published
- 2017