Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 3, 2025
08:50
The Mechanics of Poro-Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton
Published on: March 10, 2023
982
Functional Interdependence in Coupled Dissipative Structures: Physical Foundations of Biological Coordination
Benjamin De Bari1,2, Alexandra Paxton1,2, Dilip K Kondepudi1,3
1Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Biological coordination, like coordinative structures, can be explained by physics. An electrically-driven dissipative structure exhibits reciprocal compensation, demonstrating end-directed behavior similar to living systems.
Area of Science:
- * Biophysics
- * Theoretical Biology
- * Dynamical Systems Theory
Background:
- * Biological systems exhibit complex coordination, challenging physical explanations.
- * Coordinative structures are proposed as a framework for understanding biological coordination, characterized by coupled components, soft-assembly, and functional organization.
- * Coordinative structures are hypothesized to be physical dissipative structures, exhibiting self-organization and complex behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To test the hypothesis that coordinative structures are instantiations of dissipative structures.
- * To investigate reciprocal compensation in an electrically-driven dissipative structure.
- * To explore the relationship between physical systems and goal-directed biological behaviors.
Main Methods:
- * Empirical investigation of an electrically-driven dissipative structure.
- * Computational simulations using a dynamical systems model.
- * Theoretical evaluation of results within physics and life sciences contexts.
Main Results:
- * The electrically-driven dissipative structure demonstrated dynamic reorganization and reciprocal compensation in response to functional perturbation.
- * A dynamical systems model corroborated the observed reciprocal compensation.
- * The coordinated activity was linked to the system's intrinsic behavior to maximize entropy production.
Conclusions:
- * Dissipative structures can exhibit properties of coordinative structures, including reciprocal compensation.
- * Physical systems can display end-directed behavior analogous to living organisms.
- * This study bridges physics and life sciences by providing a physical basis for biological coordination.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Coupled Reactions
9.4K
Cellular processes such as building and breaking down complex molecules occur through stepwise chemical reactions. Some of these chemical reactions are spontaneous and release energy, whereas others require energy to proceed. Cells often couple the energy-releasing reaction with the energy-requiring one to carry out important cell functions.
Energy in adenosine triphosphate or ATP molecules is easily accessible to do work. ATP powers the majority of energy-requiring cellular reactions....
Energy in adenosine triphosphate or ATP molecules is easily accessible to do work. ATP powers the majority of energy-requiring cellular reactions....
9.4K
01:22Mechanical Systems
379
Mechanical systems are analogous to to electrical networks where springs and masses play similar roles to inductors and capacitors, respectively. A viscous damper in mechanical systems functions similarly to a resistor in electrical networks, dissipating energy. The forces acting on a mass in such systems include an applied force in the direction of motion, counteracted by forces from the spring, a viscous damper, and the mass's acceleration. This interplay of forces is mathematically...
379
01:12Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments
4.4K
The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
4.4K
01:14Stability of structures
304
In mechanical engineering, the stability of systems under various forces is critical for designing durable and efficient structures. One fundamental way to explore these concepts is by analyzing systems like two rods connected at a pivot point, O, with a torsional spring of spring constant k at the pivot point. This system is similar in appearance to a scissor jack used to change tires on a car. In this case, the arms of the linkage (equivalent to the rods in this system) are entirely vertical,...
304
01:16System of Forces and Couples
565
In the analysis of structural systems, it is common to encounter members subjected to various forces and couple moments. Simplifying these systems can make the analysis more manageable and easier to understand. One approach to achieve this simplification is by moving a force to a point O that does not lie on its line of action and adding a couple with a moment equal to the moment of the force about point O.
The principle of transmissibility plays a crucial role in this process. According to...
The principle of transmissibility plays a crucial role in this process. According to...
565
01:20Types of Damping
7.1K
If the amount of damping in a system is gradually increased, the period and frequency start to become affected because damping opposes, and hence slows, the back and forth motion (the net force is smaller in both directions). If there is a very large amount of damping, the system does not even oscillate; instead, it slowly moves toward equilibrium. In brief, an overdamped system moves slowly towards equilibrium, whereas an underdamped system moves quickly to equilibrium but will oscillate about...
7.1K