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How do genes, RNA, proteins, and metabolites work together in a biological system?
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Systems biology
Advances in the understanding of biological systems and in the computational interpretation of those systems have enabled biologists to program mammalian cells. The cells shown were programmed to calculate basic logical operations, thanks to a highly complex artificial gene network.
In systems biology, biological entities are viewed as integrated systems where genes, RNA, proteins, and metabolites interact in complex networks to maintain life. These components function through a hierarchical flow of information and biochemical activity:1
- Genes and RNA: DNA serves as the blueprint for the cell. Through transcription, specific genes are copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This process is tightly regulated by regulatory proteins, such as transcription factors, which determine when and how much of a gene is expressed.234
- Proteins: The mRNA is translated into proteins, which perform the majority of cellular tasks. Proteins can act as structural components, catalysts, or regulatory signals that influence further gene expression, creating feedback loops.35264
- Metabolites: These are the products of metabolism, generated by the activity of enzymes (which are proteins). Metabolites can, in turn, act as signals that influence cellular processes, such as binding to repressor proteins to switch gene expression on or off.72
Together, these components form interconnected networks where information is stored, transferred, and processed to regulate the cell's form and function.714