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Biology Quote by Richard Dawkins

“The machine code of the genes is uncannily computer-like. Apart from differences in jargon, the pages of a molecular biology journal might be interchanged with those of a computer engineering journal.” quote by Richard Dawkins
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“The machine code of the genes is uncannily computer-like. Apart from differences in jargon, the pages of a molecular biology journal might be interchanged with those of a computer engineering journal.”

Richard Dawkins

About This Quote

Source Article: The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins, 1976

Biological information operates similarly to computer code, suggesting a universal language of information processing.

In simple terms: Genes act like computer programs.

Key Takeaway

Study cross‑disciplinary parallels.

Themes

biology computer science information theory

Mood

curious analytical

Type

scientific explanatory

When to use this quote

  • research
  • education
  • bioinformatics
  • AI development
  • synthetic biology

Key Concepts

genetic coding digital analogy systems biology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can computational metaphors improve biological research?
  • What limits exist in equating DNA with code?
A Different Perspective

Complex systems may not map perfectly onto digital models.

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