There is a famous quote from J. B. S. Haldane: “An ounce of algebra is worth a ton of verbal argument.” This is indeed true. Algebra is a powerful tool for understanding many unknowns. In particular, Clifford algebra (CA) also has diverse applications ranging from wireless communications and quantum computers to living matter. This book is focused on the last application of understanding the interactions of living molecules through Clifford algebra.

This small book (only 150 pages) is divided into five chapters along with some supplementary material at the end. Chapter 1 focuses on the connection between DNA replication and Clifford algebra. It ends with four appendixes on the basic definition of CA, connections with Hadamard matrices, and connections with RNA molecules. The transfer-RNA (t-RNA) molecule plays an important role in the central dogma of biology where protein is made from the DNA via messenger-RNA (m-RNA) molecules. CA of t-RNA is discussed in chapter 2. Symmetries of the genetic code are studied through CA. A fundamental physical constant (known as the Sommerfeld constant, which describes the electromagnetic interaction of elementary charged particles) is studied in chapter 3 with respect to different biological structures such as protein structure (through CA of amino acids), ATP molecules, and DNA structures; two appendixes and two commentaries conclude this chapter. Clifford algebra of cancer is studied through oncogenic viruses in chapter 4. Finally, chapter 5 studies the folding of RNA and protein through CA. In particular, globular protein is studied. The chapter ends with two appendixes.

This book scratches the surface of a very interesting topic of structural features of bio-molecules such as DNA, RNA, and protein through Clifford algebra. Though the book collects some interesting connections, it is not suitable for beginners. The collection is quite discrete, but it is certainly useful for researchers who want to pursue the area. A better understanding of the material may lead to the development of algorithms and software for different application areas such as drug design.

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