The meanings of 'function' in biology and the problematic case of de novo gene emergence

Abstract

The word function has many different meanings in molecular biology. Here we explore the use of this word (and derivatives like functional) in research papers about de novo gene birth. Based on an analysis of 20 abstracts we propose a simple lexicon that, we believe, will help scientists and philosophers discuss the meaning of function more clearly.

Keywords

• function
• rhetoric
• de novo gene birth
• philosophy of science
• philosophy of biology