Christopher Cherniak
Genome as nanobrain
Genome as nanobrain
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A next chapter of this research program: Concepts from the theory of computation can be applied to understand the structure and function of organisms' DNA. The Crick\-Watson [double\-helix](/wiki/Double-helix "Double-helix") model emerged at the same place and time as Turing's final work, namely Cambridge around 1950, so the idea of DNA\-as\-Turing\-machine\-tape has floated around for decades.

In particular, the genome can be treated like a "nano\-brain” or pico\-computer to see whether similar connection minimization strategies also appear in gene networks. As sketched above, for decades, wiring optimization in the brain has been reported that begins to approach some of the most precisely confirmed predictions in neuroscience.

Now a connection\-minimization idea is being explored for the human genome. Information transmission may not be cost\-free even within a cell, nucleus, or genome. For example, a statistically significant supra\-chromosomal homunculus – a global representation of the human body \- appears to extend over the entire genome in the nucleus. This is a strategy for connection cost minimization (e.g., cf. body maps reported in sensory and motor cortex since the 19th century). In addition, finer\-scale somatotopic mappings seem to occur on individual autosomal chromosomes.


Can concepts from the theory of computation be applied to understand DNA structure and function?