Year: 2008
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This work investigates closure in Cell Signaling Networks,\nwhich is one research area within the ESIGNET project.\nWe employ a string-based Artificial Chemistry based on\nHolland’s broadcast language (Molecular Classifier System,\nBroadcast Language, or MCS.b). We present a series of\nexperiments focusing on the emergence and evolution of\nself-maintaining molecular organizations. Such experiments\nnaturally relate to similar studies conducted in artificial\nchemistries such as Tierra, Alchemy and Alpha-Universes.\nHowever, our results demonstrate some counter-intuitive outcomes, not indicated in previous literature. Each of these “unexpected” evolutionary dynamics (including an elongation catastrophe phenomenon) are examined and explained both informally and formally. We also demonstrate how the elongation catastrophe can be prevented using a multi-level selectional model of the MCS.b (which acts both at the molecular and cellular level). This work provides complementary insights into the understanding of evolutionary dynamics in minimal artificial chemistries.
Institution: Dublin City University
Language: English
Topic: DNA and Biological Computing
Subfield: Theoretical Computer Science
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2163602492