From: Rafal Smigrodzki (rms2g@virginia.edu)
Date: Fri Dec 20 2002 - 11:09:56 MST
Charles Hixson wrote:
> Actually, that's a relatively easy problem. It's evolving the
> solution that's difficult, not describing it.
> Solution: Have a complex of cells that combines multiply-duplicated
> DNA strands with extra error checking. Instead of "I tell you twice!"
> (Paired nucleotides.), use an "I tell you 4 times!" (or whatever
> number is secure enough). This gives you a reference standard. You
> don't want to have too many of these cells, as they will be
> expensive. But they are your Read-Only library.
### The bandersnatchi in Larry Niven's Ringworld had only one chromosome,
but a huge one, and essentially didn't evolve at all.
------
>
> The fact that this is a simple design problem doesn't make it as
> simple thing to evolve. E.g., URIs don't become useful until after
> utilities are built that assume their existence.
### Yes, with the benefit of our rational insight we can see solutions, and
I am eager to implement some of them ASAP. Putting special ultra-stable
reference cells into my tissues looks like a good idea, as is piling up
layers upon layers of cell cycle regulation, transferring mtDNA genes to the
nucleus and keeping a multiply-distributed blueprint of the large-scale
features. Of course, in addition to the standard real-time synchronized
copies, frozen backups, and other assorted gimmickry :-)
Rafal
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