Hierarchical Preemption in Lambda Phage Decision-Making
Published:Dec 27, 2025 00:13
•1 min read
•ArXiv
Analysis
This paper introduces a novel information-theoretic framework for understanding hierarchical control in biological systems, using the Lambda phage as a model. The key finding is that higher-level signals don't block lower-level signals, but instead collapse the decision space, leading to more certain outcomes while still allowing for escape routes. This is a significant contribution to understanding how complex biological decisions are made.
Key Takeaways
- •Hierarchical control in biological systems can be understood through the concept of hierarchical preemption.
- •Higher-level signals collapse decision space rather than blocking lower-level signals.
- •The Lambda phage lysis-lysogeny decision is a good model for studying this mechanism.
- •The UV damage sensor (RecA) plays a key role in this preemption.
- •This framework provides a quantitative understanding of cellular decision-making.
Reference
“The UV damage sensor (RecA) achieves 2.01x information advantage over environmental signals by preempting bistable outcomes into monostable attractors (98% lysogenic or 85% lytic).”