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THE THREE DYNAMIC LEVELS OF DNA CONSCIOUSNESS
John K. Grandy
Whitestone Consulting LLC, USA and North Country Urgent Care, Watertown, N.Y., USA
The theory of DNA consciousness proposes two main themes. First, that DNA possesses a
degree of consciousness which is supported by the interaction-based model of consciousness
and the concept of interaction-complexity-consciousness. Second, that DNA possesses the
ability to give rise to higher degrees of consciousness e.g. cellular consciousness and human
consciousness. In previous works I have assembled neurogenetic correlates of human
consciousness into three distinct phases and used this evidence to support the second theme of
the theory of DNA consciousness. In this article I will evaluate DNA as a degree of
consciousness objectively on three dynamic levels. Each of these three levels will be
supported by molecular and genetic principles which are validated by existing scientific
literature. The results of this work clearly demonstrate that DNA consciousness can in fact be
broken down objectively into three dynamic levels- the interactions between DNA and itself
(gene-gene interactions also called epistatis), the interactions of DNA and other nucleic
entities (RNA, viruses, the mitochondria, and other cells), and the interactions between DNA
and the external environment. These results force us to view DNA not as a docile genetic
storage unit, but rather as a dynamic degree of molecular consciousness that possess the ability
to give rise to higher forms of consciousness. The results also suggest that the paradigm of
interaction-complexity-consciousness demonstrates how consciousness is a fundamental
property of the universe and an emergent property one as well that is interwoven in a fractal
nature.
Keywords: DNA Consciousness, Interaction-based model of consciousness, Neurogenetic
correlates of human consciousness, interaction-complexity-consciousness (ICC), fractal nature
of consciousness
Introduction
The theory of DNA consciousness was proposed in 2004. It was first mentioned as a theory in
the literature in 2006 (Grandy 2006a; Grandy 2006b). This theory maintains two main concepts:
1) that DNA has a degree of consciousness and 2) that DNA possess the ability to give rise to
higher degrees of consciousness e.g. cellular consciousness and human consciousness.
Much work has been completed in order to validate the second concept of the theory of
DNA consciousness. An initial outline was presented at the Vigier VIII- British Computer
Society Joint Meeting, London England 2012 Symposium and published in the conference
proceedings (Grandy 2013a). In that work, the relationship between human consciousness and
DNA consciousness was broken down into three neurogenetic phases. Recently, a more
comprehensive article was completed which delves into more genetic detail in order to support
the second part of the theory of DNA consciousness (Grandy 2013b). The results of the later
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work comprised 8 genes and 14 associated genes in the first neurogenetic phase, 7 genes and 8
associated genes in the second neurogenetic phase, and 5 genes in the third neurogenetic phase.
With only these two works completed there is now a small but initial enumeration with
several established neurogenetic correlates of consciousness (NgCC) of human consciousness,
with many more to be discovered and objectified. This initial list is one that will continue to
expand into a multitude of genetic pathways that are active and critical during the conscious
experience.
NgCC are defined as any gene(s) that have a correlation to the emergence of the brain, the
continuous functioning of regions of the brain involved in human consciousness, and are
involved in neurodegenerative processes that erode modalities of human consciousness later in
life (Grandy 2013a; Grandy 2013b). By establishing the existence of NgCC the second concept
in the theory of DNA consciousness has become more of a science that involves genetic
pathways that underlay the neurologic correlates of consciousness (NCC). However, what
evidence do we have to support the first concept of the theory of DNA consciousness i.e. DNA is
a degree of consciousness?
The article The DNA molecule is autopoietic, dynamic, evolving, and a form of
consciousness (Grandy 2011) was an early attempt to support the first concept of the theory of
DNA consciousness. This was accomplished by a comparative analysis of similarities between
DNA consciousness and human consciousness. In this work, it was supported that DNA is
autopoietic, dynamic, evolving, and consequently a degree of consciousness. In the case of
human consciousness the elements of being autopoietic, dynamic, and evolving was previously
established in earlier works (Combs and Krippner 2003; Combs and Goerner 1998; Maturana
and Francisco 1972).
Autopoietic processes are defined as processes that are self-maintaining systems, which are
organizations or organisms that produce and replace their own components. There are six
criteria of an autopoietic system: the system has identifiable boundaries which distinguish it from
the environment, these boundaries are self-produced, the components of the boundaries are also
self-produced, the system is mechanistic and subject to cause and effect, the system possesses
constituent elements and components, and the constituent elements and components are also selfproduced. The DNA molecule meets all of these criteria (Grandy 2011).
In this work I will assemble established scientific literature to support three dynamic levels
of DNA consciousness, which will be done in three corresponding sections. This will serve to
establish the first concept of DNA consciousness as a science. With the establishment of three
dynamic levels of DNA consciousness testable models can then be proposed. At this point, both
concepts of the theory of DNA consciousness will be able to be subjected to scientific
investigation and applied to the science of consciousness studies.
The Three Dynamic Levels of DNA Consciousness
I have already established that the DNA molecule is an autopoietic entity and a degree of
consciousness. I will now go into more molecular and genetic detail in order to support this.
This information will be separated into three distinct dynamic levels. Before I discuss these
three dynamic levels I will first give a brief description of the DNA molecule and illustrate how
it gives rise to microscopic life forms which represents the emergence of higher degrees of
[cellular] consciousness sprouting from the realm of molecular consciousness.
The DNA molecule is composed of nitrogenous bases of either a purine or pyrimidine,
which are aromatic, heterocyclic molecules that are connected to a deoxyribose sugar molecule;
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or in the case of ribonucleic acid (RNA) a ribose sugar molecule. These are known as
nucleotides. The two purine components are adenine (A) and guanine (G). The two pyrimidine
components are cytosine (C) and thymine (T); in RNA the pyrimidine T is substituted for uracil
(U) (for review see references: Grandy 2010a & Grandy 2006b).
In the DNA molecule the amount of A equals the amount of T and the amount of C equals
the amount of G, which is known as Chargaff’s rule. These nucleotides pair in this fashion
because A and T have two compatible hydrogen bonds and C and G have three compatible
hydrogen bonds, which is known as Watson-Crick base pairing. These pairs make up the center
or “ladder rungs” of the DNA molecule- giving it a palindromic nature (i.e. GAATTC
complements CTTAAG), while the sugar phosphate deoxyribose makes up the backbone. The
phosphate links the sugar molecules above and below other sugar phosphates. This gives rise to
a double helical structure of B-DNA that twist around displaying minor and major grooves. The
DNA molecule utilizes this structure to replicate copies of it’s self using what is known as a
semiconservative model (For review see: Pritchard and Korf 2008- chapter 5).
DNA contains a genetic code made up of codons which are three nucleotides (e.g. ATG and
CTG) that, in collaboration with RNA subspecies, ultimately produces proteins. These proteins
make up cellular parts and products. This is how DNA is able to give rise to simple forms of life
and degrees of consciousness, which begins on the cellular level. In fact, Teilhard de Chardin
had pointed out in The Phenomenon of Man that “The first appearance of organized life was the
cell, which was a decisive step in the progress of consciousness.” Teilhard referred to this as the
“cellular revolution” in which he maintained that a primordial origin to the first lineaments of
immanence within matter exists (de Chardin 1955).
In the introduction I mentioned autopoiesis and that DNA is made up of self-made
components i.e. the nucleotides A, T, C, and G; and U in RNA. There are many genes that
produce enzymes that produce these nucleotides. One example is the PRPS1 gene which
encodes for phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetase 1, which produces PRPP. PRPP
plays critical roles in the biochemical catabolic pathways that produce both the purines and
pyrmidines. Mutation in the PRPS1 gene are associated with X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth
disease-5, Arts syndrome, and X-linked nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness with the
underactivity-type mutations; and uric acid overproduction (gout), mental retardation, ataxia,
hypotonia, and hearing impairment with the over activity-type mutations (de Brouwer et al.
2010).
In the eukaryotic cell DNA is stored in the nucleus which is maintained by a nuclear
membrane effectively separating it from the rest of the cell- with the nuclear pores allowing
chemical signals and various RNA species to selectively enter the nucleus. Whereas in a
prokaryotic cell there is no nucleus and DNA exists as circular DNA and plasmids, but the
cellular DNA is contained within the cell by the cell wall. These layers of separation allow
identifiable boundaries that distinguish the cell and the DNA from the environment.
Possessing an identifiable boundary is one of the criteria of autopoiesis. In previous works
(Grandy 2011) I had mentioned some genes that allow an identifiable boundary, which
consequently contributes to autopoiesis in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In prokaryotes the
Mur genes are vital to the production of the peptidoglycan-based cell membrane. Whereas, in
eukaryotes the DNA is encased in the nuclear membrane and genes such as the Pah1p, Smp2p,
and LMN genes produce products that are the components of the outer and inner nuclear
membrane. Therefore, there are genes that allow autopoiesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
In addition to cellular degrees of consciousness, DNA and RNA can give rise to other
nucleic entities that demonstrate a degree of consciousness- viruses. A virus is the simplest
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example of a nucleic life form. For example the influenza virus is a single-stranded RNA
(ssRNA) virus with 11 genes found on 8 non-paired ssRNA segments in the viral genome
(Fiddes 1997). These 11 genes code for 11 proteins (HA, NA, NP, M1, M2, NS1, NEP, PA,
PB1, PB1-F2, and PB2) that make up the influenza virus. However, the virus is an obligate
intercellular parasite which means that it needs to infect a cell and use the host DNA to make
copies of it’s self. Although RNA-viruses are small and require a host cell for replication they
are none the less very efficient life forms. They demonstrate a level of intentionality and a
degree of consciousness.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what DNA is and what it can do we are now in a
position to attempt to understand the three dynamic levels of DNA consciousness which validate
that the DNA molecule is in fact a degree of consciousness.
The First Dynamic Level of DNA Consciousness
The first dynamic level of DNA consciousness involves gene-gene interactions or what is known
as epstatis. This is how the DNA molecule communicates with it’s self from one part of the
genome to the other or from one gene to many anothers. These interactions give the DNA
molecule an inter-life-force of its very own, a type of vitality and intentionality if you will, but a
degree of consciousness none the less. To illustrate this point I will use the existence of “master
genes”, the process of DNA methylation, DNA repair systems, and transposable elements in the
genome as examples of the first dynamic level of DNA consciousness.
I will use two examples, the Pax3 gene and the ¨FosB transcription factor, to illustrate how
one gene or gene product (e.g. a transcription factor) can influence multiple genes that perform
biological functions that have effects on the brain and consequently human consciousness. This
will be a very brief description as more detail is mentioned in previous works (Grandy 2013a;
Grandy 2013b).
The Pax3 Gene
The Pax3 gene (paired homeobox gene 3) is a master gene that functions high in the
developmental hierarchy. It produces the transcription factor Pax3 during embryogenesis. I will
briefly mention four genes that Pax3 controls and the biological consequence:
a. Inactivates TP53 gene during development and neural tube closure. This is crucial for the
development of the central nervous system.
b. Hes1 gene is activated by Pax3-induced acetylation (the addition of a –COCH3 group). The
Hes1 gene is involved in neural stem cell maintenance.
c. Neurog2 gene is activated by Pax3-induced acetylation. The Neurog2 gene is involved in the
specification of neuronal subtypes and neurogenesis.
d. Regulates the expression of Meis2 gene. The Meis2 gene is involved in the formation of the
tectum in the midbrain, which is comprised of the inferior colliculi and the superior colliculi.
By controlling the expression of these fours genes Pax3 acts as a master gene. As these four
genes participate and are vital to the development of brain regions that are involved in human
consciousness these Pax3-pathways are considered NgCC.
The ΔFosB transcription factor
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The FosB gene produces FosB mRNA which undergoes alternative splicing and produces
the ΔFosB transcription factor. I will give a brief description of four genes that are affected by
the ΔFosB transcription factor. More detail can be found in previous works (Grandy 2013c).
a. GluR2 gene- this gene is induced by the ΔFosB transcription factor which results in
a decrease in the glutamatergic response of AMPA-GluR2 specifically in the nucleus
accumbens.
b. Cdk5 gene- this gene is induced by the ΔFosB transcription factor which results in a
decrease in the regulation of dopamine and glutamate. This affects mostly the striatum.
c. NFκB gene- this gene is induced by the ΔFosB transcription factor which results in
an increase in the dendritic spines on medium spiny neurons (MSN). MSN innervate
dopamine- containing terminals in the nucleus accumbens.
d. Dynorphin gene- this gene is repressed by the ΔFosB transcription factor which results
in a decrease in the inhibition of dopamine release. In general, this results in an increase
release of dopamine in response to drugs of abuse, which increases the reward mechanism.
The production of the ΔFosB transcription factor is increased in response to drugs of abuse.
While it is elevated it controls the expression of the four genes listed above and they have
biological effects with in the brain. These biological changes result in morphological changes in
the brain; specifically in the amygdala and the connecting white matter tracts, which can result in
clinical manifestations e.g. hyperalgesia and hyperkatifeia (Grandy 2012a).
DNA Methylation
In general DNA methylation is the biological process in where clusters of cytosine-residues
cover a promoter gene on the DNA molecule. The methylation of these regions of the DNA
molecule prevents the expression of those particular genes, which is also known as gene
silencing. When this process of DNA methylation is complete the final state of the cell genome
is determined and the specification of the cell phenotype is expressed.
The Hells gene encodes for lymphoid-specific helicase (LSH) which is very important to
DNA methylation during the establishment and differentiation of embryonic lineage cells as LSH
controls genome-wide cytosine methylation (Yonggauang, Tao et al. 2011; Xi et al. 2007). This
was demonstrated in mutant mice (Lsh-/-) which showed a substantial loss of methylation through
out the genome (Dennis et al. 2001). In addition, LSH has been shown to be essential for the
correct DNA methylation and gene expression patterns (by gene silencing) that are critical for
normal growth (Sun et al. 2004).
In eukaryotes, during gametogenesis, DNA methylation plays a crucial role in establishing
and maintaining genomic imprinting (Kelsey & Feil 2012). Genomic imprinting is the
phenomenon in where only certain maternal and paternal genes are differentially expressed. This
is important in that DNA methylation is self-perpetuating. The parental DNA strand induces the
corresponding methylation pattern in the complementary strand. Thus, a stable methylation
pattern may be maintained in a cell line, this is known as maintenance methylation.
It can be seen that the establishment of genomic methylation patterns is a complex and
orchestrated process. During embryogenesis it is almost completely inactive, but then resets the
methylation patterns prior to implantation. This implies an internal communication within the
DNA molecule with genes interacting with other genes, and one gene, the Hells gene having a
significant say in what is and is not expressed in the genome.
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Transposable Elements
Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences that are relatively short (10-100 base pairs)
which have the ability to move around in the genome from one location to another (Gonzales and
Petrov 2012). They do this by generating copies of themselves utilizing two transposition
intermediates- RNA intermediates (Class I) and directly as DNA (Class II).
TEs can also induce mutations or reverse mutations, and alter the size of the genome. TEinduced mutations range from regulatory mutations that can be very subtle to gross genomic
rearrangements that can often have effects on the physical expression of a cell or organism
(phenotypic). This change in complexity is simply not achievable by classic point mutations.
However, TEs can induce these degrees of complexity by affecting the expression of nearby
genes, which can be accomplished by the following process- the addition of new splice
sites, adenylation signals, promoters, or transcription factor binding sites (Feschotte 2008).
TEs can also operate as a target of epigenetic histone modifications that spread to
neighboring genes (Lippman et al. 2004).
In addition, by using Drosophila as a model, it has been shown that TEs are a significant
source of adaptive mutations (Gonzales et al. 2010). The fact that TEs can induce mutations in
the genome is astounding. A system can be visualized in where nuclear DNA produces TEs and
these TEs then provide a mechanism to mutate and alter the nuclear genome. By providing
adaptive mutations this may imply that TEs somehow interact with the external environment.
DNA Repair Systems
The DNA molecule knows how to repair it’s self. Occasionally a mistake in base insertion is
made, a mutation occurs, or physical damage is done to the DNA molecule. However, all
healthy cells possess post-replication repair enzymes and base mismatch proofreading systems
which function to correct any errors that may take place. These repair systems use the template
strand as a guild in order to determine what bases are removed or replaced. These repair systems
require exonucleases, endonucleases, polymerases, and ligases, which are all produced by the
DNA molecule.
The neurotransmitter melatonin has been shown to enhance DNA repair in over 100 genes
involved in DNA damage responsive pathways (Liu et al. 2013). Incidentally, melatonin has
antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-amyloidogenic properties; and has been shown to improve
some of the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease (Grandy 2103d).
At this juncture we can see that the DNA molecule possesses a self-generated repair system
that can detect errors and then fix them. This means that this repair system is continuously
interacting with all of the genes in the genome throughout each cell cycle.
Summing up the first dynamic level of DNA consciousness
At this juncture we have master genes controlling other genes, one gene – the Hells gene
that has a significant impact on what is not expressed in the entire genome, TEs that can alter
genes by inducing mutations or the size of the genome, and a system that “knows” how to repair
it’s self. Collectively, even with only these four motifs, this represents a dynamic level of
consciousness bestowed upon the DNA molecule that is active at all times up until death, which
of course is marked by the cessation of this activity. On this first dynamic level of DNA
consciousness the DNA molecule is continuously communicating with it’s self.
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The Second Dynamic Level of DNA Consciousness
The second dynamic level of DNA consciousness consists of interactions between the nuclear
(genomic) DNA and other nucleic-based entities e.g. RNA, viruses, mitochondria, and other
cells. This dynamic level signifies a form of communication that takes place between the nuclear
DNA and these other nucleic entities, which signifies and underscores a degree of consciousness.
I will discuss a few examples of how these interactions justify a second dynamic level of DNA
consciousness.
RNA
The DNA molecule would not be able to execute any of its functions without the many RNA
species. In fact it is generally accepted that RNA arose prior to DNA. There are many different
species of RNA that have many cellular functions e.g. rRNA and tRNA which are crucial to
producing protein products from the mRNA that is manufactured by the DNA molecule. Other
examples of RNA species that play vital roles in the cell are RNA interference (RNAi) and
microRNA (miRNA). Both of these species are essential in stem cells during development and
are capable of silencing targeted sequences of mRNA. The dysfunction of both miRNA and
RNAi are implicated in some neurological disorders (Sibley 2010).
The DNA molecule can be visualized as being surrounded by a cloud of various RNA
species that are conducting multiple crucial cellular functions. The RNA molecules are
commanded by the DNA but some RNA species can also induce behavior from the DNA
molecule. Therefore, this relationship is a two-way street but there is a degree of communication
taking place in both directions that implies a degree of consciousness.
Mitochondria
The mitochondrion is a descendent of a eubacteria that merged and assimilated as a symbiotic
organism (now considered an organelle) within the early eukaryotic cell; prokaryotes do not have
mitochondria. It serves many important functions in the cell, mainly the production of ATP (by
oxidative phosphorylation), which is utilized as energy. As a separate entity, each mitochondrion
contains its own mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and possesses about 50 genes. During evolution
some mtDNA genes were translocated from the mitochondrion genome to the nuclear genome of
the cell. What form of communication allowed this to take place? In order for this process to
have successfully taken place and a very reliable system of communication between the
nuclear DNA and the mtDNA must exist.
During the S-phase of the cell replication cycle the mitochondria know when to begin
dividing in order to accommodate the two new cells that will emerge. The mitochondrial DNA
polymerase Ȗ has been proposed to be the critical polymerase responsible for mtDNA replication
and repair in the mitochondria organelles in eurkaryotic cells (Kaguni 2004). The DNA
polymerase Ȗ is encoded by the POLG gene which interfaces with the nuclear DNA and if any
mutations occur in the POLG gene several neurological disorders can emerge e.g. Alpers-like
encephalopathy (Milone 2011).
Thus, there is a relationship and some form of communication that has developed between
the nuclear DNA in eukaryotic cells and the DNA within the mitochondria. This coordinated
orchestration implies a degree of consciousness on the second dynamic level.
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Cell-Cell Communication
I have just discussed a basic paradigm involving the communication that takes place between
nuclear DNA and mtDNA inside the cell. However, when DNA communicates outside of the
cell it uses the process of endocytosis and exocytosis. Endocytosis is the process in where the
cell internalizes small particles that are taken into a vesicle by receptor-mediated pinocytosis.
On the other hand, exocytosis is when secretory vesicles are released from the cell. These
vesicles can contain chemical signals or neurotransmitters in the case of neurons. This is the
process of communication between the outside of the cell and the inside of the cell and
ultimately the DNA in the nucleus.
Communication between cells (cell-cell communication) can also involve pores that permit
molecular communication between adjacent cells. Junctional complexes, also called gap
junctions, form these pores that allow cell-cell communication. This allows similar cells in a
tissue to respond in unison when required. This also allows a large group of cells to act as a
collective whole, rather than thousands of individual cells functioning chaotically.
The process of exocytosis, endocyctosis, and gap junctions are just a few examples of how
the DNA in one cell can communicate with DNA in another similar or different cell. Of course
this is an oversimplification and these processes typically involve complex biochemical
cascades. However, this form of communication underscores a degree of consciousness on the
second dynamic level.
Summing up the second dynamic level of DNA consciousness
The second dynamic level of DNA consciousness clearly illustrates the ability of DNA to
interact with RNA species in order to provide protein materials and to maintain vital
housekeeping functions. Secondly, within the cell the nuclear DNA communicates with and
shares genes with mtDNA in order to provide energy for the cell. Finally, the DNA from one
cell can communicate, often via complex biochemical cascades, with the DNA in another cell.
These are only three examples, but they clearly show DNA communicating in a dynamic fashion
that justifies a degree of consciousness.
The Third Dynamic Level of DNA Consciousness
The third dynamic level of DNA consciousness consists of interactions between DNA and the
external environment beyond the parameters of the cell. This is different than cell-cell
interactions that were previously discussed as it is external forces or entities that cause physical
changes and damage to the DNA molecule, which can result in mutations. Secondly, viruses can
cause changes to DNA by the process that they utilize to infect the host cell. The third example
of how DNA can be altered by external forces is by genetic engineering and epigenetic
modifications- collectively called selected genetic destination.
Mutations
Changes in the nucleotides in the DNA are referred to as a mutation (mutagenesis) and can have
a negative effect, no effect at all, or a positive effect. Mutagenesis is occasionally spontaneous
and caused by a nucleic base adopting a tautomer (a variant molecular form) during the process
of DNA replication. I also mentioned TEs in the first dynamic level of DNA consciousness and
TEs can induce mutations as well. However, most mutations are caused by mutagens and
radiation. I will list some examples:
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a. Chemical mutagenesis- these are chemicals that cause mutations to the DNA and are
classified as base analogues, chemical modifiers, intercalating agents, and other
chemicals that cause DNA strand breaking and cross-linking.
b. Electromagnetic radiation- this comprises alpha-particles, beta-particles, and gammarays that are typically discharged from radioactive decay. These particles can knock
electrons out of orbit and damage DNA.
c. Ultraviolet light- this is the primary cause of skin cancer.
d. Atomic radiation- there are many varieties of this including natural background
radiation, cosmic rays, man-made radiation (nuclear fallout), and X-rays.
This represents a third dynamic level of interactions in where external agents can alter the
DNA molecule. However, a DNA repair system is in place, which was mentioned in the first
dynamic level and most of the time the damage can be refurbished. In addition to the agents
listed there are other external biological life forms that can interact with the DNA moleculeviruses.
Viruses and Horizontal Gene Transfer
I had briefly mentioned viruses in the introduction and that they are obligate intercellular
parasites; meaning that they require host DNA in order to manufacture copies of themselves in
order to reproduce progeny. Viruses come from the external environment and insert their genome
into a host cell. The viral genome then travels to the nucleus of that host cell, untangles the
nuclear DNA, and uses it to reproduce copies of it’s self. However, the virus is sloppy and does
not always fix the untangled DNA. In fact, many viruses are implicated as a cause of certain
cancers because of this process.
On rare occasions the viral genome mistakenly makes a copy of one or more of the host’s
genes. These genes are incorporated into the new viruses’ genome and then they go on to infect
other hosts. Infrequently, these extra genes are left in the nuclear DNA of a new host- this is
called horizontal gene transfer.
Viruses on rare occasions will leave copies of their own genes in the host DNA. In fact, up
to 8% of human genetic material comes from viruses (Masayuki 2010; Feschotte 2010)!
Selected Genetic Destination
Selected genetic destination (SGD) is the process of utilizing DNA technology, genetic
engineering, and epigenetic modification techniques in order to transmogrify the current state of
an organism’s genome into a different selected destination of genomic expression (Grandy
2010b). Passive human enhancement is the process in where SGD can be used to treat diseases
and aggressive human enhancement is where SGD is used to exceed the genetic baseline beyond
normal human parameters. However, passive enhancements can later be used as aggressive
enhancements. I will demonstrate an example of this.
Recent research was able to reverse some of the memory loss in mice with Alzheimer
disease by FGF-2 gene transfer (Kiyota 2011). This research could eventually lead to an
effective treatment for human Alzheimer patients. However, what if it was used on individuals
without Alzheimer disease? Could this be used to enhance human memory? This relationship
was discussed in more detail in a previous publication (Grandy 2012b), but I think that a
general understanding has been established.
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What SGD represents is a controlled and calculated method of altering the DNA. However,
DNA has given rise to humankind. Was the purpose of giving rise to humankind to use them to
give rise to SGD which can be further used to continue the expansion and ascending evolution of
DNA consciousness? If so this may arguably represent a fourth dynamic level of DNA
consciousness- perpetuating the evolution of DNA consciousness.
Summing up the third dynamic level of DNA consciousness
On this third dynamic level of DNA consciousness we see that DNA can be changed.
External forces and energies, foreign biological entities, and SGD can accomplish this. This
dynamic level also exemplifies another characteristic of autopoiesis i.e. that DNA is mechanisticit is subject to cause and effect. In addition, this demonstrates that DNA can interact with the
external environment in a whole new fashion that can induce changes in the degree of DNA
consciousness.
Discussion
The three dynamic levels of DNA consciousness have been discussed and several biological and
genetic principles seem to support each of these levels. It is also important to point out that each
of the three dynamic levels is implicitly dependent on interactions. This justifies a brief
discussion on the interaction-based model of consciousness. For more detail please consult the
references.
The interaction-based model of consciousness states that consciousness is the interaction of
things (be it an organism, DNA molecule, or atom) with other things, the external environment,
and more specifically the interaction of energy with other forms of energy [and forces]. This
model provides four advantages that no current definition can currently offer (Grandy 2011):
a. Transcendence of the limitations that the anthropistic and reductionist models impose.
b. The eradication of any exclusion criteria as to what does or does not possess consciousness.
c. This interaction-based model allows consciousness to be viewed within the
dynamic framework of evolution.
d. This definition allows the incorporation of quantum physics into the explanation
of consciousness.
As things interact they begin to become more complex e.g. atoms become molecules.
Secondly, as complexity increases the degree of consciousness increase as well. Therefore this
model of interactions transforms into the concept of interaction-complexity- consciousness (ICC)
in where the degree of consciousness of any system is dependent on the interaction-based
complexity. However, it was pointed out by physicist Wolfgang Baer that this may be too
general.1 As it turns out he was correct and I address this later in the discussion.
In observing the ICC it may appear that consciousness is an emergent property as opposed to
a fundamental property intrinsic to all matter in the universe. However, it is not. So is
consciousness a fundamental property of the universe or is it an emergent property? As it turns
out it is both but before I attempt to answer this allow me to breifly discuss the Triadic
Dimensional Vortical Paradigm.
1
This was discussed during an email correspondence 9 May 2013. I had pointed this out in the Grandy 2011
publication as well realizing that I would eventually expound upon the ICC relationship. Later in the discussion I
do address this with a workable solution.
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Neppe-Close Thesis: The Triadic Dimensional Vortical Paradigm (TDVP)
The TDVP proposal is defined as a reductionistic, standard, physical model that results in a new
philosophical model, which can be considered a type of unified monism (Neppe and Close
2011). The fundamental axiom of the TDVP is that space, time, and consciousness (STC) are
never separated rather they are tethered together from their origin even when they might appear
to be separated. This tethering allows for movement across mathematical dimensions. This
proposal implicity presents consciousness as a fundamental property that is equivalent to time
and space.
The TDVP proposes that three dimensions of space and one dimension of time is not enough
to explain reality. Hence it is necessary to incorporate multiple extra dimensions of
consciousness and time. This conglomerates and as a result creates a higher metalevel.
According to this paradigm, without extra dimensions consciousness would appear to be an
epiphenomenon or an emergent property (a derivative of matter).
The TDVP is based on the Triadic Tethered Ordered Origin Unified Relative Subjectivity
(TTOOURS) which consists of five statements (Neppe and Close 2011):
1. Reality involves a unified wholeness of the continuous infinite. The finite experience at
every dimensional level is pervaded by the infinite.
2. This infinite continuous reality reflects:
a. All time and space in totality simultaneously –therefore on a finite level they appear
nonlocal
b. Exists as a metareality (a reality essence) that involves information expressed via
meaning as a metaconsciousness
c. A multidimensional order (extropy) with potential life- this then manifests as physical life
in the finite
3. Based on a tethered STC (space-time with a C-substrate), this tethering separates and
manifests across, within, and between multiple fluctuating dimensions; yet it retains a
connection with STC components. This allows individual-unit realities, which can be
humans and other sentient beings; perhaps even DNA.
4. Human 3S-1T interpretation is profoundly limited. The endpoint expression finite-infinite
interface is the brain (N-consciousness) which filters integrates and manifests meaning.
Interestingly, I have made a similar distinction at this level of consciousness i.e. the
development of the brain produces the degree of neuron-based consciousness.
5. The finite-infinite reality is always relative. It can be viewed both as top-bottom or bottomtop.
The calculus of distinction (based on the work of George Spencer Brown) provides a logical
mathematical link of C-substrate, which essentially factors consciousness into the equation to
create a theory of everything (TOE). Some TOEs do recognize consciousness. However, few
incorporate multiple extra dimensions. TDVP does both and it also incorporates infinity and
order/life fundamentally. Humans do not have a full metadimensional (higher dimensional)
picture, consequently we assess what is feasible yet has not been falsified which is known as
Lower Dimensional Feasibility Absent Falsification (LFAF).
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John K. Grandy
Back to the Three Dynamic levels of DNA Consciousness
I have provided a brief description of the TDVP and now I can incorporate this into the ICC in
order to provide a better explanation of what consciousness is. TDVP changes the ICC in that
interactions must be broken down into components that have a time, space, and consciousness
values. They are tethered as they interact and collectively represent a charge-mass aggregation
and a charge-mass separation that represents varieties of complexity throughout nature.
However, as this complexity increases it produces a higher degree of consciousness.
When the ICC ascends up to the appearance of DNA something special happens that allows
an explosion of consciousness on the microscopic scale and eventually on the macroscopic scale.
This could represent a universal rewrite system based on the principle of nilpotency (Rowlands
2007). Once the degree of DNA consciousness is established it has three dynamic levels that are
recognized in this work. However, as DNA gives rises to higher degrees of consciousness it
makes consciousness appear to be an emergent property. This brings us back to the question- is
consciousness a fundamental property of the universe or is it an emergent property?
Earlier I stated that it was both, but how? Consciousness is an element of all matter in the
universe and is tethered with space and time in accordance with the TDVP. As this triad
interacts throughout space and time the charge mass aggregation and charge mass separation is
made possible as what is identified as complexity in nature. Through the ICC the increase in
interactions gives rise to higher degrees of complexity which in turn gives rise to higher degrees
of consciousness.
These higher degrees of consciousness are repeatedly feed back into the TDVP-ICC
paradigm to again give rise to higher degrees of consciousness which when they overlap an
infinite number of times produces an evolving fractal pattern. They are similar (but not always
identical) and self-repeating units of consciousness that ascend from primordial (quantum)
consciousness into molecular forms- and eventually DNA consciousness. At this special
juncture of DNA consciousness a reset point (or universal rewrite) is seen in nature and a true
fractal explosion is witnessed as insurmountable quantity of various degrees of consciousness
emerge. In this paradigm, DNA can induce adaptive mutations via of mutations and/or TEs
(discussed earlier), thus the self-repeating units can change into different fractal patterns
throughout nature. This stems from cellular degrees of consciousness and eventually evolving
up to the appearance of the human brain- and with SGD possibly beyond (Grandy 2010b).
With the TDVP-ICC in place all degrees of consciousness are fractal, which should not
come as a surprise as all patterns in nature are fractal. This TDVP-ICC fractal paradigm
demonstrates how the scale hierarchy ascends from quantum to molecular and from cellular to
neuron-based consciousness. Consciousness is now seen as both a fundamental property of the
universe and at the same time an emergent property derived from interaction-based complexity
that acts through both charge-mass aggregation and charge-mass separation throughout time and
space. This is similar to the conundrum encountered in physics when the argument existed
whether light was a wave or a particle. As it turned out it was both. Similarly, consciousness is
now able to be seen as both a fundamental property of the universe and an emergent property due
to its fractal nature.
The fractal nature of consciousness is reflected in evolution as well. In fact, at the Towards
a Science of Consciousness (TSC) conference 2012, Peter Walling did a presentation “Attractor
dimensions increase with the appearance of newer species” (Grandy 2012c). In this presentation
he demonstrated a scale in where the appearance of new species during evolution possesses a
fractal nature as attractors. However, could it be the activity of DNA riding up the ascending
The Three Dynamic Levels of DNA Consciousness
325
scale of complexity that increases attractor dimensions or does the DNA act as an attractor in its
own right?
In terms of the brain, Stuart Hameroff suggested at the TSC 2012 in his presentation
“Fractal Brain Hierarchy Consciousness and Orch OR” that the fractal nature of cytoskeletal
microtubules may provide a sub-neuronal layer in the fractal brain hierarchy (Grandy 2012c).
This may explain the underlying process that run in tandem with the process of human
consciousness.
Conclusion
Now we have seen how the scale hierarchy ascends from the quantum to the molecular to the
appearance of DNA that begins at an origin point supported by TVDP-ICC fractal paradigm. I
have al s o supported that at the level of DNA consciousness has three dynamic levels. As DNA
gives rise to human consciousness, it does this in three neurogenetic phases (Grandy 2013a;
Grandy 2013b). Lastly, with the advent of genetic engineering technology and epigenetic
modifications a novel degree of consciousness may emerge and supersede human
consciousness (Grandy 2010b).
Collectively, with all three dynamic levels of DNA consciousness ongoing simultaneously
how can any entity be anymore consciousness that this? With all of this information scientific
models can now be proposed to further test the theory of DNA consciousness, which taken as a
whole will henceforth question how consciousness is defined in a manner that is nothing short of
iconoclastic.
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Glance.
Second
edition.
Blackwell
genome-wide