Biomolecular information processing: Biotechnology paves the way for new approaches to computing

The differences and similarities in structure and function of biological systems and electronic computers are examined. The relative costs of structurally dependent and independent systems are discussed in terms of tradeoff among programmability, computational efficiency, and evolutionary adaptability. The key computing attribute of protein enzymes, namely, their folded shape, allows them to recognize molecular objects on the basis of tactile (touching) interactions, reminiscent of the way a key fits into a lock. This provides both a switching and a recognition mechanism. The race to develop an artificial tactilizing processor is discussed.