The self-referring DNA and protein: a remark on physical and geometrical aspects

TL;DR

This paper explores the physical and geometrical aspects of the self-referential feedback loops between DNA and proteins, analyzing their fundamental nature through a simple theoretical model.

Contribution

It introduces a conceptual discussion on the geometrical and physical properties of DNA-protein self-reference, supported by a basic toy model.

Findings

Highlights the importance of geometrical considerations in DNA-protein feedback loops

Raises fundamental questions about the nature of self-referring biological matter

Provides a simplified model to examine physical aspects of genetic self-reference

Abstract

All known life forms are based upon a hierarchy of interwoven feedback loops, operating over a cascade of space, time and energy scales. Among the most basic loops are those connecting DNA and proteins. For example, in genetic networks, DNA genes are expressed as proteins, which may bind near the same genes and thereby control their own expression. In this molecular type of self-reference, information is mapped from the DNA sequence to the protein and back to DNA. There is a variety of dynamic DNA-protein self-reference loops, and the purpose of this remark is to discuss certain geometrical and physical aspects related to the back and forth mapping between DNA and proteins. The discussion raises basic questions regarding the nature of DNA and proteins as self-referring matter, which are examined in a simple toy model.