What is Molecular Computation

Computers, due to their raw speed and massive computing power, have been highly used by biologists to expedite life science research whereas several computational algorithms like artificial neural network, genetic algorithm and many similar ones have been inspired by the behaviors of several biological or cellular entities. However till date both these disciplines i.e. life sciences and computer sciences have mostly progressed separately while recent studies are increasingly highlighting the impact of each discipline on the other. The chapter describes several features of biological systems which could be used for further optimizations of computer programs or could be engineered to harness necessary computational capabilities in lieu of traditional silico chip systems. We also highlight underlying challenges and avenues of implementations of cellular computing.