Game Theory in Genetics
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180904232303.htm
This article discusses research by two scientists, Bhubaneswar Mishra and Steven Massey, which proposes the use of game theory to help understand genetic behavior. The research focuses on biochemistry and the way that macro-molecules associated with genes interact with other macro-molecules. In this specific form of game theory, there is the sender and the receiver. These biological macro-molecules send out their identity, which can be received by other macro-molecules and lead to their binding through biochemical reactions. The actions of the macro-molecules can then be more closely related to game theory because of how some pathogens can have selfish traits leading to the deception of other macro-molecules during the binding process.
This relates to game theory in class in the way that the actions of these micro-molecules can be related to human behavior in game theory. The genes trying to bond with each other can be related to the players of the game which are interacting with each other. When micro-molecules send fake signals to others, it can be related to humans trying to deceive their opponents in game theory. The genes in this type of game theory can then work towards the change and evolution of the genome in the image of the pathogens winning in their bonding. One of the ideas gained from this game theory view of genetics was termed “molecular sanctioning” by Mishra and Massey, which explained how genes playing the game can push push out other genes which show negative traits for the entire genome. Overall this article gave an interesting look at how game theory can be applied to many different fields, even genetics.