Chapter 5 A Point for Thought: Does the Genetic System Include a Meta-Language?

Yair Neuman

doi:10.1016/S1571-0831(07)00205-5

Chapter 5 A Point for Thought: Does the Genetic System Include a Meta-Language?

Yair Neuman

School of Education

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

Abstract

In this chapter I aim to add another layer of complexity to our semiotic understanding of the genetic system and the poverty of reductionism. The issue I have chosen is the one of junk DNA. Non-codable DNA sequences were described as non-functional junk DNA. However, more and more evidence is being gathered about the different functions fulfilled by ncRNAs. In this chapter, I wish to consider ncRNAs as a part of a Meta-language. More specifically, I argue that every language or more generally, every system of signification must have a complementary meta-language (or a meta-system) for its functioning. In this context, the genetic realm is not an exception and the genetic "language" must be accompanied by a meta-language, which is (partially) materialized by the ncRNAs.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Reviving the Living
Subtitle of host publication	Meaning Making in Living Systems
Editors	Laura McNamara, Mary Meyer, Ray Patondagger, Yair Neuman
Pages	55-70
Number of pages	16
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/S1571-0831(07)00205-5
State	Published - 25 Mar 2008

Publication series

Name	Studies in Multidisciplinarity
Volume	6
ISSN (Print)	1571-0831

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Engineering
General

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10.1016/S1571-0831(07)00205-5

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Chapter 5 A Point for Thought: Does the Genetic System Include a Meta-Language?

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