MEMS, MOEMS, Nano, and Bionanotechnologies - Applied Optics Fundamentals and Device Applications - page 337

in biological complexity, it seems that there was ample opportunity for the
complementary enantiomer to evolve into life forms as well—if indeed, it
provided an eigenvalue for mathematical resolution.
A single error in the amino acid sequence can manifest itself in genetic
dysfunction and death. Astounding as it is to comprehend the complexity
of life, it would seem that we are dealing with the simultaneous solution to
a host of equations, with a single unique solution. It is possible that the first
self-replicating protein structure could have started with the D structure, but
it apparently did not. Panspermia, regional specificity, meteorites, etc. may,
in totality, represent the initial bias, but systems biology and mathematical
uniqueness may be the ultimate determinant. Perhaps, even the influence
of aggregated water on the deep major and minor grooves has a dominant
unique solution. Absence of proof implied proof of lack of a physically real-
izable solution to an alternate life form. The 1% bias theories are interest-
ing, but probably not necessary for the real solution we have realized in our
biochemistry.
7.5.3.4 Biochemical Analysis and Cancer
Jonsson et al. published “A strategy for identifying differences in large series
of metabolomic samples analyzed by GC/MS” [25] in which they describe
the process for identification of metabolites in a biological system, using stan-
dard techniques of organic chemistry including gas chromatography, mass
spectrometry, 1 H NMR, and data-processing algorithms for rapid analysis of
large data sets. Additional organic chemistry analytical methods applied to
metabolomics include chromatography, electrophoresis, and mass spectros-
copy. Thus, the traditional techniques of organic chemistry are applied to
biological systems of metabolites, hormones, and signaling mechanisms in
the emergent field of metabolomics.
Metabolmics provides a complete understanding of cell physiology, com-
plemented by the studies of related genomics and proteomics. This approach
was first applied to improved understanding of metabolism [26]. It is thought
that a systematic cataloging of the human metabolome will provide a base-
line for studies of cellular processes and their perturbations.
The Human Metabolome Database database, supported by the University
of Alberta [27] and Genome Canada, contains links to chemical, clinical,
and biochemical/molecular biological data, with links to protein and DNA
sequences. This systems approach to biological studies promises rapid
streamlining of previously incredibly tedious processes.
For instance, how much additional progress would have resulted in the
studies of Dr. Judah Folkman on angiogeniesis and its relationship to cancer,
had the tools of metabonomics been available a few years ago [28]? Evidence
of the growing success of the field is demonstrated in part by growing con-
ferences and attention in the literature to metabolomics, following the first
mention of the approach about 10 years ago.