Configurations of Proto-Cell Aggregates with Anisotropy: Gravity Promotes Complexity in Theoretical Biology

Area of Science:

• Astrobiology
• Theoretical Biology
• Chemical Evolution

Background:

• Proto-cell structures are key to understanding the origin of life.
• Reaction-diffusion models are used to study pattern formation in biological systems.
• Gravity's role in early biological organization remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gravity on proto-tissue complexity and configurational entropy.
• To develop a theoretical framework for estimating proto-tissue complexity based on surface gravity.
• To explore the potential for biodiversity on celestial bodies with varying gravitational forces.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing reaction-diffusion equations with defined morphogen parameters.
• Analyzing RNA data to quantify complexity and entropy changes under Earth's gravity.
• Developing theoretical models for proto-tissue complexity as a function of surface gravity.

Main Results:

• Equivalent solutions in reaction-diffusion equations reveal relationships between morphogen parameters, proto-tissue complexity, and configurational entropy.
• Earth's gravity demonstrably improves the complexity and entropy of proto-cell structures, as evidenced by RNA data.
• A theoretical model predicts lower proto-tissue complexity on celestial bodies with lower surface gravity, such as Mars and the Moon.

Conclusions:

• Surface gravity is a significant factor in determining the complexity of early proto-tissue organization.
• Celestial bodies with higher gravity, like massive planets or certain exoplanets, may harbor more complex proto-tissues and potentially greater biodiversity.
• This research provides a novel perspective on how environmental factors, specifically gravity, could influence the trajectory of abiogenesis and the emergence of life.