[From Chromosome Theory to the Template Principle]

The template principle has originated from the chromosome theory of inheritance and claims to be the universal paradigm of modern biology. It considers the mechanisms of inheritance and different types of variability from a unified standpoint. The type I template processes (TP I) operate with linear templates: DNA and RNA. TP II deal with spatial, or conformational, templates of protein nature. TP II are based on variation and reproduction of the spatial structure of proteins and do not affect their primary structure. They are involved in many pathological and adaptive processes in living systems. The universal properties of TP I, ambiguity and repair (correction), are common to all three stages of each template process-initiation, elongation, and termination. These properties are typical for TP II as well. Ambiguity and correction at stages of initiation and termination of TP are prerequisites for the regulation of template processes. The variation in this regulation underlies the complexity and progressive evolution of living-systems.