Texts in Theoretical Computer Science. An EATCS Series DNA Computing

The premises of using carbon instead of silicon, and DNA molecules instead of microchips, have been studied extensively. This text introduces the fundamental theory of DNA computing, from the basics of biochemistry and language, to the most advanced mathematical theory developed so far. This is the first text and monograph about DNA computing, a molecular approach that might revolutionize our thinking and ideas about computing. Although it is too soon to predict whether computer hardware is likely to change from silicon to carbon and from microchips to DNA molecules, the theoretical premises have already been studied extensively. The book starts with an introduction to DNA-related matters, the basics of biochemistry and language and computation theory, and progresses to the advanced mathematical theory of DNA computing. Apart from being well-known scientists, all three authors are known for their lucid writing. Many of their previous books have become classics in their field, and this book too is sure to follow their example. This is the first book on DNA computing, a molecular approach that may revolutionize computing-replacing silicon with carbon and microchips with DNA molecules. The book starts with an introduction to DNA computing, exploring the power of complementarity, the basics of biochemistry, and language and computation theory. It then brings the reader to the most advanced theories develop thus far in this emerging research area.