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Thermodynamic framework for information in nanoscale systems with memory
1Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia, C/Faraday 9, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain and CNB-CSIC-IMDEA Nanociencia Associated Unit "Unidad de Nanobiotecnología," Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|December 3, 2017
Summary
This study develops a thermodynamic theory for symbolic information chains with memory, revealing conditions for effective proofreading to reduce errors. It finds optimal hybridization energies in DNA and RNA processes for regulating fidelity.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Information Theory
- Biophysics
Background:
- Information is stored in linear symbol strings prone to errors due to inherent stochasticity.
- Proofreading and editing are common error-correction methods, but their effectiveness in systems with memory is uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a thermodynamic theory for material chains with symbolic meaning and memory.
- To analyze the conditions under which proofreading and editing enhance information fidelity.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of single symbolic sequences under a defined protocol.
- Derivation of ensemble behavior from single sequence properties.
- Application of thermodynamic principles to information chains.
Main Results:
- Identified conditions for effective proofreading, specifically decreasing chain entropy.
- Demonstrated that Watson-Crick hybridization energies in DNA replication and RNA transcription are optimal for proofreading fidelity.
Conclusions:
- The developed thermodynamic framework provides insights into information processing in molecular systems.
- Optimal hybridization energies play a crucial role in regulating fidelity during biomolecular information transfer.
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