The Architecture of Biological Complexity

Abstract
With unprecedented access to computational power and information, the prospect of constructing large, detailed biological models is a reality: we are now able to determine the complete sequences of genomes, giving us direct access to the genetic information that specifies the development, structure and function of organisms. The considerable challenge still remains to analyze and derive meaningful predictions from such information.

Sydney Brenner, one of the twentieth century's leading pioneers in genetics and molecular biology, presents the need for a theory of complexity in biological systems, in order to cope with the 'sea of data' we are accumulating. He will sketch an outline of his theory, emphasizing the key requirement to incorporate the constraints imposed by biological systems being evolved rather than artificially designed.

Short Biography Sydney Brenner, Senior Distinguished Fellow of the Crick-Jacobs Center, is one of the past century's leading pioneers in genetics and molecular biology. Most recently, Brenner has been studying vertebrate gene and genome evolution. His work in this area has resulted in new ways of analyzing gene sequences, which has developed a new understanding of the evolution of vertebrates. Among his many notable discoveries, Brenner established the existence of messenger RNA and demonstrated how the order of amino acids in proteins is determined. He also conducted pioneering work with the roundworm, a model organism now widely used to study genetics. His research with Caenorhabditis elegans garnered insights into aging, nerve cell function and controlled cell death, or apoptosis.