Progress In Theoretical Biology

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 5 covers the developments in theoretical biology. The book discusses the dynamic behaviors exhibited by cellular control circuits and the role of the cell as a morphogenetic and physiological unit; the stable dynamics of genetic networks; and the organization principles and models of the function of the simplest genetic systems controlling ontogenesis. The text also describes the conceptual framework shifts in immunogenetics: the anatomy of the Ag system; the basic problems of memory in behavioural and developmental biology; and the self-organization and performance of sensory-motor codes, maps, and plans. Physiologists, biophysicists, geneticists, mathematicians, and cytologists will find the book useful.

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 4 discusses the theoretical aspects of genetic complementation and illustrates an allosteric enzyme model with positive feedback applied to glycolytic oscillations. The text also describes the states, observables, and the measurement process in quantum theory and biology; the use of biological macromolecules as measuring systems; as well as the structure, stability, and efficiency of ecosystems. The general theory of adaptation as well as the adaptive cognitive system are also encompassed. Biologists, cytologists, geneticists, and biophysicists will find the book invaluable.

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 2, brings together the significant and timely theoretical developments in particular areas of biology in a critical and synthetic manner. It is concerned with a field which has emerged as an identifiable subdiscipline of the biological sciences. This emergence and recognition signify that biological science has evolved from its initial stage of description and classification into the adolescence of transformation to the quantitative. The book's opening chapter develops a theory that uses a new generalization of statistical mechanics to provide a basis for understanding how the microscopic behavior of nonliving parts can generate the macroscopic appearance of a living aggregate. The subsequent chapters discuss theoretical methods in systematic and evolutionary studies; the theory of neural masses; the design of chemical reaction systems; cooperative processes in biological systems; and the organization of motor systems. This book is intended for the modern biological scientist as well as for the physical scientist who is inquisitive of the ways of the most complex of all processes.

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 1 brings together the significant and timely theoretical developments in particular areas of biology. Topics range from chemical evolution and biological self-replicating systems to quantitative aspects of goal-seeking self-organizing systems. An essay on Erwin Schrödinger (1887-1961) and his work on genetics and quantum mechanics, as well as its influence on molecular biology, is also included. Comprised of five chapters, this volume first discusses chemical evolution in terms of organic geochemistry and prebiotic chemistry. Dehydration condensation reactions as well as the generation of order and new information are also considered. The next chapter deals with biological self-replicating systems and focuses on such topics as the minimum system capable of self-replication; the minimum system capable of self-replication in terms of the generalizations of terrestrial biology; and which biological systems most nearly approach this limiting behavior. A series of definitions that provide a framework for examining minimal reproducing systems are also presented. The final three chapters explore the quantitative aspects of goal-seeking self-organizing systems; statistical thermodynamics of polymerization and polymorphism of proteins; and the importance of models in theoretical biology. This book is intended for both biological and physical scientists.

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 6 covers the theoretical analysis of biological phenomena. The book discusses the potentials in chemical systems far from thermodynamic equilibrium, particularly the reduction of reaction-diffusion systems to catastrophe theory; and a form of logic suited for biology. The text describes the order-disorder transitions in polyelectrolytes and the chaos in systems in population biology. An artificial cognitive-plus-motivational system and pattern generation in networks are also encompassed. Biophysicists and physiologists will find the book invaluable.

Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 3 lays particular emphasis on ecology, the theory of learning systems, and the theory of the genetic code. The book discusses the ecosystem patterns in randomly fluctuating environments; the classical and instrumental learning by neural networks; and the genetic language. The text also describes psychophysical discrimination as well as the linear systems analysis of the calcium cycle in a forested watershed ecosystem. Biologists, ecologists, geneticists, zoologists, and cytologists will find the book invaluable.

1166 concepts primarily from English-language articles, books, reviews, and histories published through 1979. Includes plant and animal biology; excludes, for the most part, human and behavioral biology. Each entry gives concept and relevant authoritative citations. Many cross references.