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A unified matrix hypothesis of DNA-directed morphogenesis, protodynamism and growth control

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Abstract

A theoretical concept is proposed, in order to explain some enigmatic aspects of cellular and molecular biology of eukaryotic organisms. Among these are the C-value paradox of DNA redundancy, the correlation of DNA content and cell size, the disruption of genes at DNA level, the “Chromosome field” data of Lima de Faria (Hereditas 93∶1, 1980), the “quantal mitosis” proposition of Holtzeret al. (Curr. Top. Dev. Biol. 7∶229 1972), the inheritance of morphological patterns, the relations of DNA and chromosome organisation to cellular structure and function, the molecular basis of speciation, etc. The basic proposition of the “Unified Matrix Hypothesis” is that the nuclear DNA has a direct morphogenic function, in addition to its coding function in protein synthesis. This additional genetic information is thought to be largely contained in the non-protein coding transcribed DNA, and in the untranscribed part of the genome.

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  1. Institut Jacques Monod, Université PARIS VII, 2 Place Jussieu, F 75251, Paris Cedex 05, France

    Klaus Scherrer

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  1. Klaus Scherrer
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“In this world, seeds of different kinds, sown at the proper time in the land, even in one field, come forth (each) according to its kind”.

In the biological sense, the term “Matrix” is used here to signify the integrity of the cell's fibrous networks in nucleus and cytoplasm, during interphase and metaphase. In the philosophical sense, “Matrix Hypothesis” integrates also the etymological meaning of the term, which stems from “mater” (i.e. origin), and means also a lattice within a frame of coordinates, or else: “Something (as a surrounding or pervading substance or element) within which something else originates or takes form or develops” (cf. Webster's Intern. Dict.).—The term “Protodynamism” was defined earlier (Scherrer, 1966) as meaning the integrity of theorganised movements of the cellular components, excluding mere diffusion.

A preliminary version of this assay was published previously (cf. Scherrer, 1985).

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Scherrer, K. A unified matrix hypothesis of DNA-directed morphogenesis, protodynamism and growth control. Biosci Rep 9, 157–188 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01115994

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