--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Superimposed on the hierarchical…" description: "\"“Superimposed on the hierarchical framework of defined components of a cell there is another layer. This second layer is highly flexible and can take o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/132/dennis-bray-106784_evolution_superimposed-on-the-hierarchical-framewo_2813262.jpg" --- # Superimposed on the hierarchical framework of defined… ![“Superimposed on the hierarchical framework of defined components of a cell there is another layer. This second layer is highly flexible and can take on an almost infinite variety of forms, like soft and responsive flesh on a bony skeleton. The deep question is whether this higher layer in the…” quote by Dennis Bray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/132/dennis-bray-106784_evolution_superimposed-on-the-hierarchical-framewo_2813262.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/132/dennis-bray-106784_evolution_superimposed-on-the-hierarchical-framewo_2813262.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/132/dennis-bray-106784_evolution_superimposed-on-the-hierarchical-framewo_2813262.jpg) > ““Superimposed on the hierarchical framework of defined components of a cell there is another layer. This second layer is highly flexible and can take on an almost infinite variety of forms, like soft and responsive flesh on a bony skeleton. The deep question is whether this higher layer in the construction of cells is itself organized. Are there hierarchies, or at least rules, in the protein-modifying, RNA splicing, gene-regulating processes of a cell? If so, then we have a chance of understanding them. If not, we will never know exactly what a cell will do next. If the detailed chemistry of the cell is simply the outcome of a historical ragbag of ad hoc interactions, then it will be no more predictable than the weather. I do not have an answer to this question. But two features of cells might be relevant. One is a sense of time, or causation - knowledge of the way that things in the real world follow in a certain sequence. The other is integrity, which enables a cell to distinguish between what belongs to itself and what belongs to the outside world.”” [Dennis Bray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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. Cells possess a flexible, higher-order layer beyond their structural components, raising questions about hierarchy, rules, and predictability in biology. **In simple terms:** Cells have a flexible higher layer that may follow rules. Key Takeaway Explore cellular hierarchy and predictability. Themes biology systems cellular hierarchy flexibility predictability Mood analytical inquisitive Type Evolution:1 Outside world:0 Real world:0 Systems-biology:1 Components Cell:0 Cells Organized:0 Cells Relevant:0 Cell Layer:1 Features Cells:0 When to use this quote - research labs - education - clinical diagnostics Key Concepts complex systems protein regulation RNA splicing gene regulation Questions to Reflect On - What evidence supports a higher flexible layer? - How can this inform disease treatment? A Different Perspective Complexity may limit practical predictability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cell Layer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cell-layer-3535702/) [Cells Organized](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cells-organized-3535700/) [Cells Relevant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cells-relevant-3535701/) [Components Cell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/components-cell-2099893/) [Evolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolution/) [Features Cells](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/features-cells-3535703/) [Outside world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/outside-world/) [Real world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-world/) [Systems-biology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/systems-biology-182232/) ## Related quotes > [“school you may have learned the basic components of a cell: the nucleus that contains genetic material, the energy-producing mitochondria, the protective membrane at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-h-lipton/school-you-may-have-learned-the-basic-components-of-a-cell-the/) [Bruce H. 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Are there hierarchies, or at least rules, in the protein-modifying, RNA splicing, gene-regulating processes of a cell? If so, then we have a chance of understanding them. If not, we will never know exactly what a cell will do next. If the detailed chemistry of the cell is simply the outcome of a historical ragbag of ad hoc interactions, then it will be no more predictable than the weather. I do not have an answer to this question. But two features of cells might be relevant. One is a sense of time, or causation - knowledge of the way that things in the real world follow in a certain sequence. 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