What is life? Bio-physical perspectives

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Biophysics
• Chemical Physics

Background:

• Life originates and evolves within gravitationally bound atomic systems under specific energy inflow conditions.
• Living objects exhibit structural dynamic reactivity to energy, encompassing structures from molecules to humans.
• These systems are thermodynamic quasi-closed supramolecular entities within larger natural open systems, evolving near equilibrium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define life as a consequence of universal laws, particularly thermodynamics.
• To propose a framework of hierarchical thermodynamics and a principle of substance stability.
• To provide a definition of life based on exact sciences, avoiding non-physical models.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of living systems using mathematical "state functions" (temperature, pressure, composition).
• Application of thermodynamic principles to understand the emergence and evolution of life.
• Analysis of life from a geocentric perspective, focusing on universal laws.

Main Results:

• Life is presented as a natural consequence of universal laws, specifically thermodynamics.
• Hierarchical thermodynamics and the principle of substance stability offer a new perspective on living systems.
• Living structures form at the nanolevel due to environmental variations driving diversity.

Conclusions:

• Life can be defined as a bio-chemical-physical phenomenon grounded in exact sciences.
• This thermodynamic perspective offers a physically sound model for understanding life.
• The study reframes life not as unique but as an emergent property of universal physical laws.