The predictive power of theoretical biology: an example

I will argue, supported by an experiment, that theoretical biology moves (very slowly) in a direction where predictions (as in theoretical physics) become possible.

We start with a simple, theoretical, mechanical-genetic model of protein. Using the interpration of its spectral properties, one can formulate some predictions on the possible effects when the protein is mutated. The results suggest that only mutations at specific positions in the gene sequence can have a relevant effect on the function of the protein.

These predictions have then been checked in a delicate experiment with actual mutations in the protein Guanylate kinase. A clear signal confirms the theoretical prediction.