Using Entropy Leads to a Better Understanding of Biological Systems

Entropy

Chih-Yuan Tseng¹ 

[1] Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, 11560 University Ave. Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada; E-Mail

关键词: entropy;    inference;    folding dynamics;    tubulin expression level;    aptamer;   

DOI  :  10.3390/e12122450

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

In studying biological systems, conventional approaches based on the laws of physics almost always require introducing appropriate approximations. We argue that a comprehensive approach that integrates the laws of physics and principles of inference provides a better conceptual framework than these approaches to reveal emergence in such systems. The crux of this comprehensive approach hinges on entropy. Entropy is not merely a physical quantity. It is also a reasoning tool to process information with the least bias. By reviewing three distinctive examples from protein folding dynamics to drug design, we demonstrate the developments and applications of this comprehensive approach in the area of biological systems.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2010 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.