Theoretical biology in the third millennium

During the 20tll century our understanding of genetics and the processes of gene expression have undergone revolutionary change. Improved technology h as identified the components of the living cell, and knowledge of the genet ic code allows us to visualize the pathway from genotype to phenotype. We c an now sequence entire genes, and improved cloning techniques enable us to transfer genes between organ isms, giving a better understanding of their f unction. Due to the improved power of analytical tools databases of sequenc e information are growing at an exponential rate. Soon complete sequences o f genomes and the three-dimensional structure of all proteins may be known. The question we face in the new millennium is how to apply this data in a meaningful way Since the genes carry the specification of an organism, and because they also record evolutionary changes, we need to design a theoreti cal framework that carl rake account of the flow of information through bio logical systems.