Biological complexity: cell molecular communication (Introduction)

by David Turell , Friday, January 29, 2016, 18:30 (3221 days ago) @ dhw


> Dhw: If cells were programmed, they would not have to exchange information or “talk” to nearby cells or “compare notes” or, above all, make decisions. The decisions would already have been made for them. 
> 
> I know you still insist that cells are automatons. My point is that these researchers disagree with you, so please explain how the above MEANS that cells are programmed and therefore do not take their own decisions.-It is still the same battle. These cells communicate with molecular reactions as their 'talk'. The responses can be automated decisions as I've told you over and over.-> dhw: Unless you can explain how processing and exchanging information before making a decision constitutes preprogramming, I would suggest they are on the side of the “intelligent cell” brigade.-Very simple: cell A sends a series of molecules B,C,D. Cell E receives them and this sets off an automatic response of molecules F,G, and H back to A. We were taught several series of these reactions in biochemistry in Med school. This is how cells 'talk'.