Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
14:42
Biology of Microbial Communities - Interview
Published on: May 28, 2007
The recent evolution of the question "What is life"?
1Centre Cavaillès, CIRPHLES USR 3308, Ecole normale supérieure, 29 rue d'Ulm, 75230 Paris Cedex 05, France.
History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
|January 16, 2013
Summary
The question "What is life?" is largely unaddressed by scientists today. However, understanding life's origins through physical chemistry is crucial for fields like astrobiology and synthetic biology.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Synthetic Biology
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- The definition of life is a complex, long-standing question.
- Modern biology and scientific inquiry often sidestep a direct answer to 'What is life?'
Observation:
- A partial answer is essential for advancing astrobiology and synthetic biology.
- The absence of a clear definition stems from metaphysical, epistemological, and historical factors.
Findings:
- The core of life is understood as physical chemistry.
- The focus has shifted from life-specific mechanisms to understanding the emergence and combination of organismal characteristics.
- The origin scenario of life is now central to defining it.
Implications:
- Revisiting the question of 'What is life?' is vital for scientific progress.
- Understanding life's emergence is key to future research in origin of life studies.
- This perspective bridges biology, chemistry, and philosophy.
Related Concept Videos
02:40The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes
The “tree of life” describes the evolution of life and the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The root of the tree is the common ancestor to all life on Earth. All other species radiate from this point, much like the branches of a tree. The numerous tips of these branches on the tree of life represent every living, or extant, species. Extinct species, which are species that no longer exist, can be found towards the center of the tree. Currently, these organisms, both extant and...
01:23Characteristics of Life
Biology is a natural science that studies life and living organisms, including their structure, function, development, interactions, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. The field's scope is extensive and divided into several specialized disciplines, such as anatomy, physiology, ethology, genetics, and many more. All living things share a few key traits, including cellular organization, heritable genetic material and the ability to adapt/evolve, metabolism to regulate energy needs, the...
01:24Origin of Cellular Life
The origin of life on Earth is a complex and enigmatic event rooted in ancient biochemical processes and geological conditions. Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that life began with the spontaneous formation of organic molecules such as RNA nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids under early Earth conditions. Factors like volcanic activity, intense UV radiation, and a reducing atmosphere without free oxygen likely facilitated these reactions. Hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor are...
02:35What is Evolutionary History?
Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.
02:55The Evidence for Evolution
Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
02:06Conditions on Early Earth
Around 4 billion years ago, oceans began to condense on earth while volcanic eruptions released nitrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen into the primordial atmosphere. However, organisms with the characteristics of life were not initially present on earth. Scientists have used experimentation to determine how organisms evolved that could grow, reproduce, and maintain an internal environment.