This book explores the double coding property of DNA, which is manifested in the digital and analog information types as two interdependent codes. This double coding principle can be applied to all living systems, from the level of the individual cell to entire social systems, seen as systems of communication. Further topics discussed include the ubiquitous problem of logical typing, which reflects our inherent incapacity to simultaneously perceive discontinuity and continuity, the problem of time, and the peculiarities of autopoietic living systems. It is shown that the scientific "truths" that appear to be coherent constructions connecting the scientifically verified observations by the rules of logic are in fact always relative and never absolute.

Autorentext
The author is Honorary Professor of Molecular Genetics at the Jacobs University Bremen. He is a holder of academic degrees in biology, biochemistry and genetics. Over the past thirty years he was investigating the mechanisms of genetic regulation in different model organisms from the three kingdoms of life - Eukarya, Archaea and Bacteria. By integrating the approaches of biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, bioinformatics and systems theory he developed a holistic methodology for comprehensive exploration of genetic communications in living systems.

Inhalt

Introduction: Some facts about our Universe.- Problems of logical typing: The "one" and the "unity".- Logical typing and the notion of time in biology.- Organisation of the genetic system: Proteins as vehicles of distinction.- Harnessing energy and information: Time-irreversibility of thermodynamics.- Social communications and logical typing in the social system.