Gene and epigene networks: two levels in organizing the hereditary system.

Intracellular governing gene networks consisting of genes and regulatory bonds among them are considered as the first level in organizing the hereditary system. We give examples of both prokaryotic gene network that controls the development of the lambda-phage and eukaryotic gene network that controls the early Drosophila ontogenesis. Using the method of generalized threshold models kinetic curves are shown for some gene products of these networks. Gene networks that govern ontogenetic processes can be envisioned as epigene networks, the networks of the subsequent level in organizing the hereditary systems. Based on the mathematical model our computer experiments show that even the simplest hypothetical two-epigene network is capable of ensuring divergent determination, conservation of determinate states and reproduction of the initial "zygotic" functional state. In addition, the experimental results are given on construction an artificial epigene.