Modeling non-genetic information dynamics in cells using reservoir computing

arXiv:2312.07977v2 Announce Type: replace-cross
Abstract: Virtually all cells use energy and ion-specific membrane pumps to maintain large transmembrane gradients of Na$^+$, K$^+$, Cl$^-$, Mg$^{++}$, and Ca$^{++}$. Although they consume up to 1/3 of a cell's energy budget, the corresponding evolutionary benefit of transmembrane ion gradients remain unclear. Here, we propose that ion gradients enable a dynamic and versatile biological system that acquires, analyzes, and responds to environmental information. We hypothesize environmental signals are transmitted into the cell by ion fluxes …

abstract arxiv benefit budget cells computing cs.lg dynamics energy information modeling physics.bio-ph q-bio.cb type