Self-organization in dissipative structures: A thermodynamic theory for the emergence of prebiotic cells and their epigenetic evolution

This paper presents a discussion on self-organization processes in dissipative structures, in order to highlight the general conditions for raising complexity and generate order. In particular, some concepts were introduced from non-equilibrium thermodynamics and from the Molecular Anamorphic Evolut...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BioSystems 2009-06, Vol.96 (3), p.237-241
Main Authors: Pulselli, R.M., Simoncini, E., Tiezzi, E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anamorphosis
Autopoiesis
Computer Simulation
Epigenesis, Genetic
Evolution, Molecular
Lipid bilayer
Lipid Bilayers - chemistry
Lipid Bilayers - metabolism
Models, Biological
Models, Chemical
Origin of Life
Origins of life
Thermodynamics
Water - chemistry
Water - physiology
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Summary:This paper presents a discussion on self-organization processes in dissipative structures, in order to highlight the general conditions for raising complexity and generate order. In particular, some concepts were introduced from non-equilibrium thermodynamics and from the Molecular Anamorphic Evolution Theory, especially concerning processes of matter randomization. Once a theoretical thermodynamics-based framework for understanding self-organizing systems had been presented, a spontaneous transition from macrostates richer in microstates to macrostates poorer in microstates was explained, as an attempt to point out the probable existing conditions at the formation of prebiotic structures. Closed systems, constrained by a lipid bilayer and with an internal water environment, were presented as cases of self-organization towards living systems. It was then highlighted that the origin of life depends on epigenetic and autopoietic processes, since metabolism plays a more relevant role than replication in making novelties emerge.
ISSN:0303-2647
1872-8324
DOI:10.1016/j.biosystems.2009.02.004