Phenomenon of life: between equilibrium and non-linearity

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics and non-equilibrium processes
• Biochemistry and molecular evolution
• Origin of life studies

Background:

• Biological evolution exhibits ordering, a decrease in entropy.
• Previous models often focused on systems far from equilibrium.
• Understanding ordering in systems closer to equilibrium is key.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a thermodynamic model for ordering in biological evolution.
• To link ordering to processes operating not far from equilibrium.
• To identify key molecules and reaction conditions in prebiotic evolution.

Main Methods:

• Development of a theoretical model based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
• Analysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) conversion as a case study.
• Examination of experimental evidence, including carbon isotope distribution in biochemical systems.

Main Results:

• Steady-state, irreversible processes near equilibrium can produce lower-entropy products (ordering).
• ATP-ADP conversion provides energy for steady states and couples with polymer synthesis.
• Carbon isotope data supports the model, showing regularity in steady-state systems near equilibrium.

Conclusions:

• Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is proposed as a key molecule in prebiotic evolution.
• Enzyme-controlled reactions may not necessarily be far from equilibrium.
• The model offers insights into the origin of life and biological evolution mechanisms.