Part 3/9:
The dramatic advancements in sequencing technologies allow us to map genomes across thousands of species, revealing emerging patterns and principles that still evade definitive classification. These principles, while dynamic, point towards an intricate dance of regulatory networks and interactions that mirror adaptations in both biological and artificial systems.
The Language of Biology: A Complex Code
Kellis draws a compelling analogy between the language of biology and human language. The DNA code—comprised of the nucleotides A, T, C, and G—functions similarly to an alphabet, wherein sequences translate into complex expressions a bit like sentences form coherent ideas. Each nucleotide's placement affects meaning, akin to how word arrangements can alter the connotation in language.