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The evolution of molecular biology into systems biology

Nature Biotechnology volume 22, pages 1249–1252 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

Systems analysis has historically been performed in many areas of biology, including ecology, developmental biology and immunology. More recently, the genomics revolution has catapulted molecular biology into the realm of systems biology. In unicellular organisms and well-defined cell lines of higher organisms, systems approaches are making definitive strides toward scientific understanding and biotechnological applications. We argue here that two distinct lines of inquiry in molecular biology have converged to form contemporary systems biology.

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Figure 1: Two lines of inquiry led from the approximate onset of molecular biological thinking to present-day systems biology.

Erin Boyle

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Acknowledgements

We thank Adam Arkin for comments and Timothy Allen for editing. B.O.P. serves on the scientific advisory board of Genomatica, Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Molecular Cell Physiology and Mathematical Biochemistry, BioCentrum Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, HV Amsterdam, NL-108, The Netherlands

    Hans V Westerhoff

  2. Department of Bioengineering, University of California-San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093-0412, California, USA

    Bernhard O Palsson

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  1. Hans V Westerhoff
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  2. Bernhard O Palsson
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Correspondence to Hans V Westerhoff or Bernhard O Palsson.

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Westerhoff, H., Palsson, B. The evolution of molecular biology into systems biology. Nat Biotechnol 22, 1249–1252 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1020

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