Generation of information in biological systems: A short epistemological essay

Abstract

Modern information theory deals with the transfer of information between a source and a receiver. This theory applies to cases in which the information and the means of its encoding, decoding and transfer are already established. In man-made systems, successful functioning is a direct result of proper design regarding the source of information and the processing of received information. The same is true of natural systems, but only when their function is analyzed on short time scales. In such cases, due to evolutionary design by natural selection, the production of all informational components has already been encoded, and information processing is performed along a defined path. However, at longer time scales, it becomes evident that natural systems are able to autonomously change their patterns of information processing. For example, if during evolution an organism becomes capable of utilizing a new food source, this means several things: (i) the organism can receive a new kind of information, (ii) it has developed a new channel of information processing, and (iii) this new informational channel is incorporated into an existing network of functional processes. This example suggests that at least some of the principles of functioning of natural systems are fundamentally different from those of present-day man-made systems. In this chapter, we will investigate the informational aspect of the functioning of biological systems as one of these fundamental differences. Our main focus will be on an analysis of the prerequisites that enable biological systems to generate new information sources and information channels. Further, we will interpret these findings in terms of Shannon's information theory and show how current quantitative measures of information can be used within the new context. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.