It’s evolution baby: Rewriting modern theories on biology

Twentieth century views of microbiology are primitive and need to be junked, according to the Garvan Institute’s Professor John Mattick who spoke at a recent science lecture at ANSTO.

Modern techniques are now rewriting the rule books to understanding the relationship between DNA, proteins, enzymes and the full suite of biological mechanisms within the body. Credit: custedge

“The 20th century was just a warm up for molecular biology. It was primitive. The real game is on now; it’s all to be discovered,” Professor Mattick said in a talk that went to the heart of traditional views of biology and evolution.

“RNA is a computational engine that holds the key to cell development and cognition. It’s the main game in evolutionary terms and always was.

“DNA is just a passive zip file and proteins are just the enzymes which organise and structure the system,” says the Executive Director of the Garvan Institute.

The central tenets of traditional molecular biology have focused exclusively on the individuals strands of this science to understanding what happens in the body at a cellular level and never really understood their overlapping roles.

He says modern techniques are now rewriting the rule books and taking a holistic approach to understanding the relationship between DNA, proteins, enzymes and the full suite of biological mechanisms within the body.

Professor Mattick’s talk was part of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation’s (ANSTO) Distinguished Lectures, which is a series of science talks given by leading thinkers from around the world.

Delivered as 40min to an hour presentations, the lecture series offers insights into some of the latest scientific breakthroughs.

The talks are given at ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus on the outskirts of Sydney. To see previous talks, visit our Distinguished Lecture page.

About John Mattick

Professor Mattick is the Executive Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, and was previously Director of the Australian Genome Research Facility and the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland in Brisbane.
His awards and honors include Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, the inaugural Gutenberg Professorship of the University of Strasbourg, Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science, Foreign Membership of the European Molecular Biology Organization, the Australian Government’s Centenary Medal, and the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Medal.
Most recently he received the 2012 Chen Award from the Human Genome Organisation for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Human Genetic and Genomic Research.

Published: 08/07/2013

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