Neuroenergetics and "General Intelligence": A Systems Biology Perspective.

Tobias Debatin

doi:10.3390/jintelligence8030031

Abstract

David C. Geary proposed the efficiency of mitochondrial processes, especially the production of energy, as the most fundamental biological mechanism contributing to individual differences in general intelligence (g). While the efficiency of mitochondrial functioning is undoubtedly an important and highly interesting factor, I outline several reasons why other main factors of neuroenergetics should not be neglected and why a systems biology perspective should be adopted. There are many advantages for research on intelligence to focus on individual differences in the capability of the overall brain metabolism system to produce the energy currency adenosine triphosphate (ATP): higher predictive strength than single mechanisms, diverse possibilities for experimental manipulation, measurement with existing techniques and answers to unresolved questions because of multiple realizability. Many of these aspects are especially important for research on developmental processes and the building and refining of brain networks for adaptation. Focusing too much on single parts of the system, like the efficiency of mitochondrial functioning, carries the danger of missing important information about the role of neuroenergetics in intelligence and valuable research opportunities.

Highlights

The main aim and new contribution of this article is to clarify the high relevance of other factors of neuroenergetics and to explain why I prefer a systems biology perspective (Kitano 2002) with a focus on the production of the energy currency adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an indicator of the capacity of the overall brain metabolism system instead of focusing on parts of the system
As Geary (2018, 2019a) noted in his mitochondrial theory of g, mitochondria have several important functions, but their functions concerning energy production are especially relevant for intelligence research
Instead of focusing on single parts of the system, I suggested to focus on an indicator of the overall metabolism system: the maximal level of ATP the system can provide in times of high demand and described the advantages of this approach

Summary

Introduction

The main aim and new contribution of this article is to clarify the high relevance of other factors of neuroenergetics and to explain why I prefer a systems biology perspective (Kitano 2002) with a focus on the production of the energy currency ATP as an indicator of the capacity of the overall brain metabolism system instead of focusing on parts of the system (like the efficiency of mitochondrial functioning). For this purpose, I will first outline what the other main factors of neuroenergetics are and why they are no less fundamental than mitochondrial functioning. I will present the advantages for intelligence research to adopt this perspective and discuss implications for developmental processes and suggestions for future research

Main Factors of Neuroenergetics

Substrate Supply Mechanisms

The Systems Biology Perspective

Advantages of Focusing on ATP Production Capacity

Findings

Discussion