--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I described living cells as being crammed…" description: "\"“I described living cells as being crammed full of protein molecules. Acting individually or in small assemblies, they perform reiterated molecular pro..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87e/dennis-bray-106784_biology_i-described-living-cells-as-being-cramme_597473.jpg" --- # I described living cells as being crammed full of protein… ![“I described living cells as being crammed full of protein molecules. Acting individually or in small assemblies, they perform reiterated molecular processes that can be regarded, I argued, as a form of computation. Moreover, large numbers of proteins linked into huge interacting networks operate…” quote by Dennis Bray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87e/dennis-bray-106784_biology_i-described-living-cells-as-being-cramme_597473.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87e/dennis-bray-106784_biology_i-described-living-cells-as-being-cramme_597473.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/87e/dennis-bray-106784_biology_i-described-living-cells-as-being-cramme_597473.jpg) > ““I described living cells as being crammed full of protein molecules. Acting individually or in small assemblies, they perform reiterated molecular processes that can be regarded, I argued, as a form of computation. Moreover, large numbers of proteins linked into huge interacting networks operate, in effect, like circuits of electrical or electronic devices. Networks of this kind are the basis for the animate wanderings of single cells and their ability to choose what to do next. Here I have broadened the view to encompass multiple cells - 'societies' of cells. Through a variety of strategies - including diffusive hormones, electrical signals, and mechanical interactions - the computational networks of individual cells are linked. During evolution, cells acquired the capacity to work together in social groups; it became advantageous for most cells to become highly specialised. Liver cells, muscle cells, skin cells, and so on abandoned their opportunities for unlimited replication. They began the communal expansion of interlinked abilities that led to the plants and animals we see around us today. But the basis of this diversification of cell chemistry was yet another form of computation - one that operates on DNA. Control mechanisms, again based on protein switches, created extensive but subtle modifications of the core genetic information.”” Dennis Bray ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Cellular processes operate like computational networks, with proteins acting as switches and signaling pathways forming circuits, enabling complex behavior and evolution. **In simple terms:** Cells compute via protein networks, similar to electronic circuits. Key Takeaway Study biological computation for innovation. Themes biology computation evolution Mood intrigued scientific Type academic technical When to use this quote - research - medicine - bio‑engineering Key Concepts systems biology network theory cellular communication Questions to Reflect On - How can we harness cellular networks for tech? - What ethical issues arise? A Different Perspective Biological computation is still emerging. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Biology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biology/) [Evolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolution/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Plants and animals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/plants-and-animals/) [Social group](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social-group/) [Work together](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-together/) ## Related quotes > [If humans were to model the lifestyle displayed by healthy community of cells , our societies and our planet would be more peaceful and vital](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-h-lipton/if-humans-were-to-model-the-lifestyle-displayed-by-healthy-community/) [Bruce H. Lipton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-h-lipton/) > [It's incorrect to think of bacteria as these asocial, single cells. 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