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This linguistic structure introduces a form of "grammar" to gene expression, where transcription factors—including proteins that bind to DNA—interpret these sequences under various biological contexts. Distinct combinations of nucleotides enable a myriad of regulatory functions, much like words' interconnectedness creates an extensive semantic web in human languages.
Emergent Properties and the Tinkering Principle
One of Kellis's central contentions is that emergent properties arise from a foundational ability to "tinker"—a hallmark of both biological evolution and modern AI systems. Evolution is not a straightforward trajectory; rather, it is a complex interplay of adaptation and refinement, allowing organisms to optimize their functionality within myriad ecological niches.