**2. Music and musical terminology**

Listening to music and watching music being played are both events which rely on cell signalling. Sound waves are perceived in the ear, while photons are sensed in the eye and both lead to downstream series of signal transduction events (Hancock, 2010). In fact early work which led to the discovery of a major class of proteins, the G proteins, was due to work on the eye (Fung & Stryer, 1980). However, this is not of particular relevance to the discussion here. There is, however, growing, if controversial evidence that music can have effects on biological systems, including humans (Trappe, 2010). A term has been coined, "The Mozart Effect". This has come about from work where Mozart's music has been played and effects measured. Some tangible effects have been reported, perhaps more in the popular press than the scientific literature, but there are examples of serious reports looking into this (Jenkins, 2001).

Fig. 1. Movement of pheromones transmits signals between individuals in a population. One organism releases a compound which is sensed by a second individual, in which a response is mounted. Pheromones could be thought of as music moving through the medium separating the two organisms.

Of course it is not only humans which are responsive to sound with studies reporting effects on plants for example (Qin *et al*., 2003). Mechanical action on cells has been shown to affect cellular function (Wan *et al.,* 2004) and this includes exposure to music. For example, the activity or expression of some proteins has been shown to be changed if music is played (Chikahisa *et al.*, 2006).

Not only does music provoke cell signalling events in organisms, but music terminology is often used to describe such cellular activities. It is often said in research papers that a signalling molecule "orchestrates" or "conducts" events for example (Polo & de Fiore, 2008). In his most recent book Nick Lane uses music to explain his thinking on more than one occasion. On the theme of biological variation he discusses the musical variations of Bach and Beethoven. On the topic of protein structure he says "Yet the deeper music of the protein spheres is still there to be discerned by crystallography" and later when talking

the science, with the molecular details often putting off the reader who may be new to the field. Therefore, often an analogy to explain such a complex subject would be very useful, and may offer a more attractive way to teach the subject and to engage those who seek a better understanding of the area of study. In this chapter music is used as an analogy to try to shed light on some of the events in cell signalling. It has already been suggested that the use of such an analogy will be useful to those trying to get to grips with the subject (Hancock, 2005; 2009) and this chapter will expand and elaborate on those ideas. It is

Listening to music and watching music being played are both events which rely on cell signalling. Sound waves are perceived in the ear, while photons are sensed in the eye and both lead to downstream series of signal transduction events (Hancock, 2010). In fact early work which led to the discovery of a major class of proteins, the G proteins, was due to work on the eye (Fung & Stryer, 1980). However, this is not of particular relevance to the discussion here. There is, however, growing, if controversial evidence that music can have effects on biological systems, including humans (Trappe, 2010). A term has been coined, "The Mozart Effect". This has come about from work where Mozart's music has been played and effects measured. Some tangible effects have been reported, perhaps more in the popular press than the scientific

suggested that this can be used by those studying and teaching cell signalling.

literature, but there are examples of serious reports looking into this (Jenkins, 2001).

Fig. 1. Movement of pheromones transmits signals between individuals in a population. One organism releases a compound which is sensed by a second individual, in which a response is mounted. Pheromones could be thought of as music moving through the

Of course it is not only humans which are responsive to sound with studies reporting effects on plants for example (Qin *et al*., 2003). Mechanical action on cells has been shown to affect cellular function (Wan *et al.,* 2004) and this includes exposure to music. For example, the activity or expression of some proteins has been shown to be changed if music is played

Not only does music provoke cell signalling events in organisms, but music terminology is often used to describe such cellular activities. It is often said in research papers that a signalling molecule "orchestrates" or "conducts" events for example (Polo & de Fiore, 2008). In his most recent book Nick Lane uses music to explain his thinking on more than one occasion. On the theme of biological variation he discusses the musical variations of Bach and Beethoven. On the topic of protein structure he says "Yet the deeper music of the protein spheres is still there to be discerned by crystallography" and later when talking

**2. Music and musical terminology** 

medium separating the two organisms.

(Chikahisa *et al.*, 2006).

about the eye he writes "Like an orchestral conductor conjuring up the most beautiful music without sounding a note himself, the gene calls forth the structures of the eye by ushering in individual players, each with their own part to play" (Nick Lane, 2010). Therefore it is an extension of this idea which can enable music in its wider sense to act as an analogy for cell signalling. Previously the idea has been discussed (Hancock 2005; 2009) but here the ideas are expanded and enhanced.

Fig. 2. cAMP is involved in the signalling invoked by adrenaline. Adrenaline is received by a plasma membrane bound receptor. The receptor is linked to a heterotrimeric G protein, which releases its alpha subunit on activation. The G protein subunit can activate adenylyl cyclase which resides in the plasma membrane. Adenylyl cyclase produces cAMP from ATP. cAMP can activate cAMP- dependent protein kinase and so lead to downstream responses. cAMP is removed by the action of phosphodiesterase.
