Dissipative structures in biological systems: bistability, oscillations, spatial patterns and waves

Area of Science:

• Non-equilibrium thermodynamics
• Systems biology
• Theoretical biology

Background:

• The concept of dissipative structures, introduced by Ilya Prigogine, offers a framework for understanding self-organization in systems far from equilibrium.
• Biological systems exhibit complex dynamics and organization that can be analyzed through the lens of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
• Understanding these dynamical bases is key to deciphering fundamental biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relevance and applications of dissipative structures in biological systems over the past five decades.
• To classify and illustrate the four main types of dissipative structures with biological examples.
• To highlight the prevalence and importance of dissipative structures in various biological contexts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on dissipative structures in biology.
• Classification of dissipative structures into four categories: multistability, temporal, spatial, and spatio-temporal.
• Illustration of each category with specific biological examples, including rhythms, Turing patterns, and waves.

Main Results:

• Dissipative structures are abundant in biological systems across all levels of organization.
• Four types of dissipative structures are identified: multistability (bistability, birhythmicity), sustained oscillations, Turing patterns, and propagating waves.
• Examples range from circadian rhythms and cell cycle dynamics to developmental patterns and intercellular communication.

Conclusions:

• Dissipative structures provide a powerful conceptual tool for understanding non-equilibrium self-organization in biology.
• The four identified types of dissipative structures are widely observed and play critical roles in physiological and developmental processes.
• Further research into dissipative structures will continue to illuminate the dynamical principles underlying life.