ABSTRACT
During the last decades, we have witnessed exciting new developments in computation theory and practice, from entirely novel perspectives. DNA Computing, known also under the names of molecular computing, biocomputing, or biomolecular computing, is an emergent field lying at the crossroads of computer science and molecular biology. It is based on the idea that data can be encoded as DNA strands, and molecular biology tools can be used to perform arithmetic and logic operations. This chapter intends to give the reader a basic understanding of the tools and methods used in
DNA computing, and a snapshot of theoretical and experimental research in this field. It includes descriptions of a representative DNA computing experiment, of the design of autonomous and programmable molecular computers, and of models of DNA memories. It describes research into computation in and by living cells, as well as into DNA self-assembly, a process that can be used for computation or can produce either static DNA nanostructures or dynamic DNA nanomachines. This chapter is intended to offer the reader a glimpse of the astonishing world of DNA computing, rather than being an exhaustive review of the research in the field.
