Before you get into this next level of complexity its advisable that you understand the basics. You cannot even read these articles with understanding if you do not understand the basic elements of DNA structure and protein biosynthesis.

Originally Posted by wascallywabbit

Doesn't sound all that passive, mechanical, unaware, value-free, unintentional and linear to me.

More evidence of physical, material, chemical 'bits of stuff' doing the jobs you insist vitality is necessary for. You really don't seem to be thinking this through. What you need in order to infer Vitality is for DNA to inexplicably, magically, acausally 'fix itself' in a way that defies all the known laws of physics.