Hi Mick,
Binary code is a set of instructions that regulate electronic devices ( hardware). Genetic code is a
set of instructions to regulate chemical reactions by creating enzymes . The end result being living
cells
Both use effective symbols to operate. Binary code uses two symbols, 0"s and 1" called bits) to
create 8 letter words (bytes) or multiples thereof ( 8, 16 ,32 , 64 bit systems. ( this is just
touching the basics of binary mathematics , I know there is much more to it) The sequence of the
bits and bytes determine what will happen on the hardware executing the binary code.
Genetic code uses 4 symbols , two purine and two pyrimidine bases to create three letter words or
codons. The sequence of the codons determine the type and sequence of chemical reaction that
will occur in living cells ( the genetic code’s hardware). These reactions will determine the
structure and appearance of the cell , how it will interact with other cells etc.)
You ask about similarities. Here are a few.
1. Both execute programs and store information using the code.
2. Both codes are effectively stored . ( different types of disks in the case of binary code, DNA
and RNA molecules in the case of genetic code).
3. Both codes are easily and effectively accessed when necessary. (Readability).
4. Both codes are easily and effectively copied and duplicated.
5. Both can incorporate and be effected by foreign code ( virusses)
6. Mutations ( read and write errors) can occur in both.
7. Breakages ( lost strings) can occur in both.
8. The presence of malicious code in both types that can combine with code and corrupt
programs (Viruses)
9. The evolvement of object-oriented languages are comparable to the evolvement of genes. The
genetic code is programmed in an object-oriented way. (genes and enzymes being the basic
objects). It is possible to create great programs without creating a single line of new code using
Java beans )
Mutations a random event , but evolution not? ( Climbing Mount Improbable by Stephan
Dawkins?) His arguments can also explain the my referral to a digital camera, but I am still not
convinced that a blind watchmaker will be able to assemble it even if all the components are
already available (nature had to manufacture them separately , create a zoom lens without any
optical knowledge etc.). The chances of a mindless engineer and programmer creating a digital
camera is less than a blind watch maker assembling it. I know many believe it to be possible..
What has the highest probability, a mindless engineer creating life and the genetic code or
geological activity (melting rock forming silicon fluid (glass ,other metals etc. )) forming a digital
camera anywhere in the universe.
Are the part about crashing computers etc tongue in the cheek or are you a machine language
programmer?. I definitely didn’t refer to high level language programming but to the following
0110010101010101 (Binary Machine code) and ACTGTA (DNA genetic code).
A last remark. Both codes create unstable ever changing images. A living cell is a constantly
changing image that differs from millisecond to millisecond . The same with the computer
generated image you are looking at. . It is just an illusion that there is a constant non changing
image on the screen.
Regards
J D
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