DNA-protein and membrane-lipid: competing paradigms in biomedical research

Most current biomedical science research is based on the idea that DNA and the RNA and proteins whose structures are specified by DNA are of overwhelming importance in human disease. While they are undoubtedly of major significance, their practical importance may have been exaggerated. Lipids which make up the bulk of cell and other membranes, and which modulate the behaviour of most proteins may be of at least equal importance. Moreover, lipids offer more opportunities for practical therapeutic intervention.