16. Copying
Coding
Two fundamental processes underlie
the evolution of life
and replication)
Catalysed assembly (replication and transcription)
Codified assembly (translation)
17. Copying creates organic information
DNA mRNA
Information can evolve
(without changing meaning)
Mater Madre, Mère, Mutter, Mother, Mamma
DNA DNA
18. Coding creates organic meaning
UGG tryptophan
Meaning can evolve (without changing information)
Ape
in English: “a hairy, anthropoid mammal”
in Italian: “a flying, stinging insect”
19. What’s the point?
A new code establishes
relationships that never before
existed in the world
20. Evolution by natural conventions vs.
natural selection
Absolute vs. relative novelties
Codes provide explanations for the major
evolutionary transitions and increases
in biocomplexity
21. The Genetic Code
Cultural Codes
3.8 billion
years
Nothing?
No more codes?
Yes, lots of them!
Code
Biology
27. For a post-translational modification to act
as an organic sign
there must be an adaptor that translates it
into a unique effect (its organic meaning)
Modification as an organic sign
28. A structural motif (domain) on a
chromatin-associated protein acts as
an adaptor
• Bromodomain
• Chromodomain
• Tudor domain
32. Does it form a code?
Effect
Modifica
tion
Domain
Code
33. Yes:
• Post-translational modifications satisfy
criteria for sign
• Structural domains are suitable adaptors
• Effects on
histones, chromatin, chromosomes and
transcription qualify as meanings
Does it form a code?
