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Computer programs as theories in biology.

D Partridge, P D Lopez, V S Johnston

Journal of Theoretical Biology

|June 21, 1984

Summary

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Computer simulations are essential for developing and testing complex biological theories. Programs serve as definitive theory statements, with abstractions enhancing communication of intricate biological models.

Area of Science:

Computational Biology
Theoretical Biology
Bioinformatics

Background:

Computer simulations offer a powerful method for developing, refining, and testing complex biological theories.
Existing programming languages often result in incomprehensible code, hindering the use of programs as definitive theory statements.

Purpose of the Study:

To advocate for computer programs as the definitive statement of biological theories.
To introduce a methodology for abstraction and a language for representing abstractions to improve communication.

Main Methods:

Utilizing computer science techniques to develop an abstraction methodology.
Creating a language for representing abstractions.
Illustrating the approach with a recently published biological theory.

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Main Results:

Programs, when executed, act as models of biological theories, providing a means for rigorous examination.
Abstraction techniques and a specialized language can make complex biological theories represented by programs more comprehensible.

Conclusions:

Computer programs should be considered the ultimate, irrefutable statement of complex biological theories.
The integration of programs with abstractions facilitates effective communication and understanding of intricate biological concepts.