Progress in Theoretical Biology
Volume 1
- 1st Edition - January 1, 1967
- Editor: Fred M. Snell
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 2 - 1 1 5 4 - 1
- Hardback ISBN:9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 1 - 9 9 9 4 - 8
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 2 - 2 4 9 7 - 8
Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 1 brings together the significant and timely theoretical developments in particular areas of biology. Topics range from chemical evolution… Read more

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Request a sales quoteProgress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 1 brings together the significant and timely theoretical developments in particular areas of biology. Topics range from chemical evolution and biological self-replicating systems to quantitative aspects of goal-seeking self-organizing systems. An essay on Erwin Schrödinger (1887-1961) and his work on genetics and quantum mechanics, as well as its influence on molecular biology, is also included. Comprised of five chapters, this volume first discusses chemical evolution in terms of organic geochemistry and prebiotic chemistry. Dehydration condensation reactions as well as the generation of order and new information are also considered. The next chapter deals with biological self-replicating systems and focuses on such topics as the minimum system capable of self-replication; the minimum system capable of self-replication in terms of the generalizations of terrestrial biology; and which biological systems most nearly approach this limiting behavior. A series of definitions that provide a framework for examining minimal reproducing systems are also presented. The final three chapters explore the quantitative aspects of goal-seeking self-organizing systems; statistical thermodynamics of polymerization and polymorphism of proteins; and the importance of models in theoretical biology. This book is intended for both biological and physical scientists.
List of Contributors
Preface
Erwin Schrödinger
Chemical Evolution
I. Introduction
II. Organic Geochemistry
III. Prebiotic Chemistry
IV. Dehydration Condensation Reactions
V. Generation of Order and New Information
VI. Conclusion
References
Biological Self-Replicating Systems
I. Introduction and Definitions
II. Limits and Constraints on Self-Replicating Entities
III. Universal Features Characterizing Living Systems
IV. The Theoretical Minimum Cell
References
Quantitative Aspects of Goal-Seeking Self-Organizing Systems
I. Constraints versus Requirements
II. Quantitative Aspects of the Genetic System
References
Statistical Thermodynamics of Polymerization and Polymorphism of Protein
Introduction
I. Polymerization as Crystallization
II. Two States of Monomers and One Type of Polymer
III. Two Types of Polymers
IV. Polymers Composed of Two Kinds of Monomers
V. Effect of Nucleus
VI. Kinetic Analysis
VII. Comparison with Experiment
VIII. Concluding Remarks
References
The Role of Models in Theoretical Biology
I. Models of Biological Systems
II. Mathematical Modeling Theory
III. Physical Analogs of Organisms
IV. Artificial Organs
V. Numerical and Kinetic Models
VI. Cybernetic Models
VII. Simulation of Physiological Regulation
VIII. Neurophysiological Models
IX. Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Models of Thought
X. Self-Organizing Systems and Bionics
XI. Abstract and Axiomatic Models
XII. The Role of Biological Modeling
References
Author Index
Subject Index
- No. of pages: 244
- Language: English
- Edition: 1
- Published: January 1, 1967
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Paperback ISBN: 9781483211541
- Hardback ISBN: 9781483199948
- eBook ISBN: 9781483224978
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