Versuch zu einer allgemeinen Theorie der chemisch-elektrischen Informationsübertragung im tierischen Organismus

2. Teil

Abstract

Biological information (sum of genetic and exogenic information) can be deposited in three different material code systems as has been pointed out in the first part of this paper. The transmitters of the electrical code are the neurons and other lipoprotein membrane systems (cell membrane, membrane of the cell nucleus, endoplasmatic reticulum, Golgi apparatous, membranes of mitochondria).
The transformation of information from one code into another is represented in a simple scheme (Fig. 7), which holds for intracellular, transcellular and transsomatic transfer of information. It shows also that an electric transmission of information from the protein code back into the RNS-Code is possible. There are many results in biochemical, biological and medical research which lead to the conclusion that translation of the amino acid sequences occurs at the cell membrane.
RNS is much more sensitive than DNS towards alcali and enzymatic hydrolysis because the OH group in position 2 of its ribose offers the possibility of triester formation with the phosphoric acid residue in position 3. This reaction makes an exchange of nucleotides in RNS possible. Electrically transmitted information may thus in the cytoplasma lead to the formation of RNS molecules containing genetic as well as exogenic information. Strong or persistent stimuli by way of electric coding may induce the synthesis of proteins with exogenic information, which eventually can lead to malign growth within certain organs.
The preservation of the genetic information transmitted from the DNS and deposited in proteins (endogenic information proteins) while exogenic information is coming in continuously, is a remarkable performance of the body. It becomes possible by a positive feed-back mechanism (Fig. 7): emission of information to and through the muscles leads to a consumption of the code molecules (bns, proteins). Simultaneously, however, information (self control of performance) is taken up by nerve receptors and finally leads through the sensory pathways to resynthesis of these code molecules.
The stability of the protein code is based on the resonance hybridization of the peptide groups. The amino acid sequence is of primary importance for the translation into the electric code. The confrontation of an organism with its surroundings calls for continuous learning and adaption. The smaller the changes in the conditions of its surroundings, the closer the similarity between the amino acid sequences of the information proteins which are synthesized during repeated cycles (Fig. 7). The all-or-nothing law and the frequency modulation of the action potentials favours an undisturbed information transfer.
The proposed mechanism for electric transmission of exogenic stimuli at nerve receptors and its transformation into information proteins could give a new basis for discussion of the following phenomena: action of steroid hormones and of many drugs, enzyme induction, adaption and acquired resistence against toxic substances.
Some features of the coded electric transmission are discussed. It seems that an active reduction of the flow of information towards the inner organs is possible and necessary for their protection. Of special importance in this connection are the wall ganglia of the organs (autonomic or intramural nerve system).
The stimuli from the outside, in whatever form of energy they arrive, lead to intermolecular interactions within the nerve receptors. While in macrophysics one can distinguish clearly between mechanical, electrical and chemical processes, the sharp differences disappear in the molecular dimensions. It is therefore not surprising that in the receptor membrane generator potentials may be created by physical as well as by chemical stimuli.