Biochemical coding and control

Abstract

In this and the next chapter we consider the informational aspects of biological organization and function at the cellular level. Before we begin with some general background material about biological cells, we should appreciate that this understanding of cell structure and operation has been acquired slowly, at a rate limited by the state of laboratory technology. It was not until the 19th century that improvements in light microscopy allowed biologists to observe that all living matter was composed of cells with essentially similar structures. Only with the advent of the electron microscope in the 1940’s did most details of internal cellular structure become accessible. And the contemporary cell biologist’s impressive battery of laboratory techniques is being continually augmented.