Molecular biology as virtual biology: Limitations of molecular biology in pesticide discovery
It is argued that, even at the very low level of biological complexity represented by the structures and functions of individual proteins, the predictive capacity of molecular biology remains too weak to form a reliable basis for industrial research strategy, even when coupled with almost unlimited computing power.
Abstract
Much discussion has focused upon the concept that a 'rational', molecular biology-based strategy could revolutionize pesticide discovery. The personal viewpoint presented here is that such a concept is fundamentally flawed because it is based on false assumptions about the extent to which biological systems are genetically determined. It is argued that, even at the very low level of biological complexity represented by the structures and functions of individual proteins, the predictive capacity of molecular biology remains too weak to form a reliable basis for industrial research strategy, even when coupled with almost unlimited computing power. Expectations that molecular genetics could somehow speed up the discovery process and replace other methods of enquiry may thus be over-optimistic and an awareness of its limitations is essential to avoid the wasteful allocation of research resources. This article aims to highlight some of the limitations of which those who are not actively engaged in molecular biology may be unaware and which some of those who are so engaged may choose to ignore. Comments and counter-arguments are actively invited.