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2011 ; 8
(2
): 129-60
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The emergence of modularity in biological systems
#MMPMID21353651
Lorenz DM
; Jeng A
; Deem MW
Phys Life Rev
2011[Jun]; 8
(2
): 129-60
PMID21353651
show ga
In this review, we discuss modularity and hierarchy in biological systems. We
review examples from protein structure, genetics, and biological networks of
modular partitioning of the geometry of biological space. We review theories to
explain modular organization of biology, with a focus on explaining how biology
may spontaneously organize to a structured form. That is, we seek to explain how
biology nucleated from among the many possibilities in chemistry. The emergence
of modular organization of biological structure will be described as a
symmetry-breaking phase transition, with modularity as the order parameter.
Experimental support for this description will be reviewed. Examples will be
presented from pathogen structure, metabolic networks, gene networks, and
protein-protein interaction networks. Additional examples will be presented from
ecological food networks, developmental pathways, physiology, and social
networks.