Towards a definition of life

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Systems Biology
• Origin of Life Studies

Background:

• Life is conventionally understood through biological and chemical processes.
• Existing definitions often overlook the thermodynamic underpinnings of living systems.
• Organisms function as complex networks that interact with their environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel, unified definition of life based on thermodynamic principles.
• To elucidate the role of open thermodynamic networks in biological organization.
• To explore the relationship between life, order, chaos, and adaptability.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis integrating thermodynamics, network theory, and evolutionary biology.
• Definition of life framed as an open thermodynamic network.
• Analysis of the phase transition between order and chaos in energy consumption.

Main Results:

• Life is defined as a self-contained, self-regulating, self-organizing, self-reproducing, interconnected, open thermodynamic network.
• Organisms import energy and export entropy, maintaining order through network interactions.
• Life exists in a complex regime, a phase transition between order and chaos, balancing stability and adaptability.

Conclusions:

• This thermodynamic definition provides a new framework for understanding life's fundamental properties.
• The concept of homeokinesis within the order-chaos transition offers insights into health and disease.
• Understanding life as a dynamic network may revolutionize biological and medical research.