  A general theoretical framework is put forth to organize and understand
various observed phenomena and mathematical relationships in the field of
molecular biology. By modeling each cell in eukaryotic organisms as a processor
having a unique set of allowed states, represented by a specific DNA sequence,
we demonstrate a method by which gene expression can be regulated. As the
theory is developed, we suggest reasons for the complementary, quaternary
(4-base) coding scheme used in most eukaryotes. A role for transposable
elements is suggested, as is a role for the abundance of noncoding DNA, along
with a clearly-defined method by which single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's)
may alter gene expression. The effect of various errors is considered. Finally,
a mechanism for inter-processor communication is proposed to explain cell-cell
recognition processes, which leads to an elucidation of a possible pathway by
which nonmutagenic carcinogenic agents may act.
