Dynamics of protein evolution

Abstract

Protein sequences of the SWISS-PROT data bank were analysed by fractal techniques and harmonic analysis. In both cases, the results show the presence of self-affinity, a kind of self-similarity, in the sequences. Self-similarity is a sign of fractality and fractality is a consequence of a chaotic dynamical process. The evolution of the protein sequences is modelled as a dynamical system. The abundance of the fractal form in biology and creation of fractal forms as a result of “chaos” is already established. It may be noted that the word “chaos” here implies that most predictable processes can also become unpredictable under certain conditions, and that the most unpredictable processes are not as unpredictable as they are expected to be. In evolutionary dynamics, this allows scope for mutations and variations in otherwise predictable situations, potentially leading to increased diversity.