The Genetic Underpinnings of DNA Autopoiesis: A Review

The primary goal of this review is to appraise the genetic underpinnings of DNA autopoiesis. An autopoietic system must meet six criteria: that system must have an identifiable boundary, that boundary is self -produced, the components of that boundary is self-produced, that system is subject to cause and effect, that system possesses constituent elements/components, and those constituents are self-produced. In this review the evaluation of relevant literature in genetics and genomic research were surveyed in order to determine if there is enough scientific proof that can be enumerated which supports that the DNA molecule meets the six criteria of autopoiesis. The results were that there is a significant amount of genetic underpinnings identified that affords the DNA molecule the ability to meet all six criteria of autopoiesis. By understanding the genetic underpinnings of DNA autopoiesis we can begin to objectify DNA as a conscious, autopoietic, and intentional system; rather than myopically viewing DNA as nothing more than a genetic storage unit. Finally, it is important to establish a gene-based framework of DNA autopoiesis as this will give researchers a starting point in proposing testable models.