Explanatory Analysis of the Metabolome Using Genetic Programming of Simple, Interpretable Rules

Genetic programming, in conjunction with advanced analytical instruments, is a novel tool for the investigation of complex biological systems at the whole-tissue level. In this study, samples from tomato fruit grown hydroponically under both high- and low-salt conditions were analysed using Z .Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR , with the aim of identifying spectral and biochemical features linked to salinity in the growth environment. FTIR spectra of whole tissue extracts are not amenable to direct visual analysis, so numerical modelling methods were used to generate models Z .capable of classifying the samples based on their spectral characteristics. Genetic programming GP provided models with a better prediction accuracy to the conventional data modelling methods used, whilst being much easier to interpret in terms of the variables used. Examination of the GP-derived models showed that there were a small number of spectral regions that were consistently being used. In part...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2000
• Where: GPEM
• Authors: Helen E. Johnson, Richard J. Gilbert, Michael K. Winson, Royston Goodacre, Aileen R. Smith, Jem J. Rowland, Michael A. Hall, Douglas B. Kell
• Keywords: Genetic Programming, Genetic Programming Gp, GPEM 2000, Spectral Region