Information homeostasis as a fundamental principle governing the cell division and death

Abstract

To express genetic information with minimal error is one of the key functions of a cell. Here we propose an information theory based phenomenological model for the expression of genetic information. Based on the model we propose, the concept of "information homeostasis" ensures that genetic information is expressed with minimal error. We suggest that together with energy homeostasis, information homeostasis is a fundamental working principle of a biological cell. This model proposes a novel explanation of why a cell divides and why it stops to divide and thus provides novel insight into oncogenesis and various neuro-degenerative diseases. Moreover, the model suggests a theoretical framework to understand cell division and death, beyond specific biochemical pathways.