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First, the genetic material in the cell nucleus contains all the information necessary for
the survival of the cell. Depending on the conditions, this information is used to produce
proteins that are always optimally adapted to the environment via RNA molecules that
migrate into the cell plasma (mRNA) with the help of the protein factories (ribosomes) of
the cell. Complex signalling networks are important for rapid reactions (stress response,
chemotaxis in bacteria) and in particular for multicellularity (cell differentiation, tumour
development, embryology, inflammatory processes, nervous system). These are modelled
in detail with dynamic modelling (see Chaps. 5 and 9), but can also be clearly described
again with the aid of protein networks and, taking the processes into account, with the aid
of gene ontology.
11.1
11.1
Since bioinformatics precisely detects and examines the signals in the cell using vari
ous algorithms, it is also particularly powerful in uncovering details in cellular communi
cation, in differentiation and in disturbed cell communication, but also in the
computer-assisted search (“in silico screening”) for new drugs.
We should note, however, that these groundbreaking achievements in modern molecu
lar biology are always team efforts. It is true that all these results are also based on the
analysis of large amounts of molecular data and are inconceivable without this analysis,
but progress requires equally state-of-the-art machines for generating data in experiments
and is, however, in my opinion not sufficiently appreciated today, intelligently planned
experiments as well as intelligent interpretation of the results seen.
Were there any surprises in the design of the cell? Of course countless, but many con
cern the details of the individual pathways involved (e.g. Wnt signalling in differentiation
and cancer) or important genes (e.g. the P53 gene in apoptosis). It was great and also
11.2 Bioinformatics Provides Detailed Insights into the Molecular Biology of the Cell