Like we all learned in middle school (most of us probably), DNA is basically composed of 4 nucleobases (excluding uracil). Anyway, since these four only pair with one of the other, only 2 possible combinations are possible, I was just wondering if this had any relation to binary computing, and maybe if we could learn something from this to improve our computers.
I really have no idea what I'm talking about, so if this makes no sense, feel free to tell me :-)
2006-08-28 22:07:58 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Hah! My question did make sense!
To nitro2k01, I am talking about computing pretty much as we know it, just a different... base system I guess... Intelligence in it would be topologically (wrong word, I don't care) the same as it would be in our technology today. Sure, we might speed it up a bit, but what the hell :-)
2006-08-28 22:18:49 · update #1
"Although each nucleobase does only pair with one of the other three, that does not make it a binary system - down each side of the helix you can still have one of four nucleotides, and the two which partner each other are not equivalent."
I know, that is why I asked the question, doesn't that seem much more effective than just a stream of two different numbers (chemicals, electrical signals, ect.)?
2006-08-28 22:24:07 · update #2
"Computing and living have many things in common. Memory(storage) Recounting (web search),Input(food water air ),,Booting(refractory period), Fat (bytes of stored energy),Brain (cpu), Conditioned reflexes (programed)Learn (download).etc. But there is one difference which I can not explain. Humans and animals are LIVING, and computers are not."
No offense, but you are wrong. Recounting would be similar to RAM memory rather than a web search, or maybe even data retrieval off the drive. Input in computers would be similar to our senses, and food/water/air would be live electricity for computers. Fat would be like coal or uranium in that power plant that is giving your computer the electricity.
And HAH! Define living then come back!
2006-08-28 22:33:23 · update #3
"well never herd something about that. i personally think there could be no relation. the main reason being, the human has evolved over a long period of time from very small minute creture to the most intelligent species of th world. and computer understands only two things thats "0" & "1" . this is human only who made it. human only for his/her convrnience let the computer to understand two things. so i think there is very less possibility in both the above."
It has taken millions of years for our species to accidently arrive where we are now, if somone was intentionally making something to be intelligent, why would it have to take so long?
2006-08-28 22:34:50 · update #4
"You can get a zillion results if you try the terms "DNA computing" in your favorite search engine. I quote wikipedia below."
Thant's funny, I only got 3,030,000...
2006-08-28 22:36:22 · update #5
"You can get a zillion results if you try the terms "DNA computing" in your favorite search engine. I quote wikipedia below."
That's funny, I only got 3,030,000...
2006-08-28 22:36:30 · update #6
I think DNA work as a triplet codon hence it is not similar to binary but it is similar to trinary (whatever it's term is) computing.
2006-08-28 22:46:01 · answer #1 · answered by smalleyessharpviews 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Although each nucleobase does only pair with one of the other three, that does not make it a binary system - down each side of the helix you can still have one of four nucleotides, and the two which partner each other are not equivalent.
But, in a way, there is a conection with computing - very simple DNA computers have been created. The main problem is that at the moment they are non-programable - a DNA computer has to be designed for a very specific problem.
2006-08-28 22:19:32 · answer #2 · answered by robcraine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The concept of DNA computing has been proposed before because it can be massively parallel (many cells working on their DNA together, you get the idea). The main idea is that through a process of selection a "correct" DNA sequence will eventually emerge over time. I'm not sure how the information is coded in order to resist mutations, but practical examples (proof of concept) have already been presented. Just like all things chemical, the process is slow and I'm not sure it is worth it unless we manage to make it run with a speed in the order of Gb/sec. From a theoretical standpoint, the resulting computer is still a Turing machine and not necessarily superior.
You can get a zillion results if you try the terms "DNA computing" in your favorite search engine. I quote wikipedia below.
2006-08-28 22:31:53 · answer #3 · answered by Pepinos 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, scientists have actually thinking about using DNA for binary data storage. But one problem is that since DNA is a biological material, it's not stable, but will degenerate over time. (This is mutations happen) Another problem is how we can transfer data into a computer readable form quickly. A third rpoblem, which I personally don't worry much about, is the fear that the DNA will start lives it's own life and take over the computer.
/Edit: My point regarding intelligence is that at some point it will be a practical obstacle in research and marketing of a DNA based memory products, that people fear it will form some kind of life form. That is an overrated fear according to me. The biggest problem is chemical instability.
/Edit 2: "Fat (bytes of stored energy)"
That's actually funny, even though the poster might not have thought about it. FAT is, apart from a lipid substance, the name of a computer file system.
2006-08-28 22:15:08 · answer #4 · answered by nitro2k01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well never herd something about that. i personally think there could be no relation. the main reason being, the human has evolved over a long period of time from very small minute creture to the most intelligent species of th world. and computer understands only two things thats "0" & "1" . this is human only who made it. human only for his/her convrnience let the computer to understand two things. so i think there is very less possibility in both the above.
2006-08-28 22:21:56 · answer #5 · answered by stuffed apple 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Computing and living have many things in common. Memory(storage) Recounting (web search),Input(food water air ),,Booting(refractory period), Fat (bytes of stored energy),Brain (cpu), Conditioned reflexes (programed)Learn (download).etc. But there is one difference which I can not explain. Humans and animals are LIVING, and computers are not.
2006-08-28 22:25:34 · answer #6 · answered by J.SWAMY I ఇ జ స్వామి 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there are some remarkable similarities between technology and biology. Some people believe that sometime in the future the two will merge.
Hey, you told those jokes in the last question too, do you know any others?
2006-08-28 22:10:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell you a joke:
-Doctor! I have a serious problem, I can never remember what i just said.
-When did you first notice this problem?
-What problem?
Bye, hope you like it. Be happy everyday.
I need to go to level 3. Help me and vote for me and I will vote for you! Thanks! :-)
One more joke:
A guy calls his vet and says "What should I do with my cat?Vet says "What do you mean? Guy says "I had a leak in my lawnmowers gas tank and the cat drank the gas. Then the cat began to run around and around the yard, climbed a tree. then fell out of the tree stiff. Vet says "Is the cat dead? Guy replies "nope he ran out of gas.
2006-08-28 22:08:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋