Biochemical Functions

Abstract

Function-talk is a constant within different life sciences. From macroevolution to genetics, functions are mentioned everywhere, for example a limb's function is to allow movement and RNA polymerases' function is to transcribe DNA. Biochemistry is not immune from such characterisation: the biochemical world seems to be a chemical world embedded within biological processes. Specifically, biochemists commonly ascribe functions to biomolecules and can classify them accordingly. This has been noticed in the recent philosophical literature on biochemical kinds. But, while a lot has been written on biological and psychological functions, little has been said explicitly on biochemical ones. Here, I explore functional attribution to biochemical molecules. I argue that if we accept this attribution, then biochemical functions are constituted of chemical dispositional properties that causally contribute to selected biological processes. In section 2, I illustrate the status of the controversy concerning the characterisation of biochemical functions. In section 3, I consider whether a biological or a chemical understanding of function can be applied to biochemical functions, exemplifying the account with vitamin B12. As it results, none of the theories on its own is adequate to characterise them. In section 4, I present an account of biochemical functions. In section 5, I assess the view considering common requirements for a theory of functions and an objection.

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