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This study challenges the universal interpretation of a free energy dissipation bound in self-replicating systems. It argues that thermodynamic principles preclude a single relationship connecting dissipation to both replicator growth and decay rates.

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Area of Science:

  • Thermodynamics
  • Statistical Physics
  • Chemical Physics

Background:

  • Jeremy England's 2013 paper established a bound on free energy dissipation for self-replicating systems.
  • This bound is commonly interpreted as a universal link between dissipation and replicator dynamics (growth/decay).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically re-evaluate the interpretation of England's free energy dissipation bound.
  • To challenge the notion of a universal relationship connecting thermodynamic dissipation to both per-capita growth and decay rates of replicators.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fundamental thermodynamic principles.
  • Theoretical examination of self-replicator dynamics and decay pathways.

Main Results:

  • The study argues against a universal relationship linking dissipation to both per-capita growth and decay.
  • Thermodynamic principles suggest a replicator cannot simultaneously grow and decay back into reactants.
  • Decay into separate waste products makes replication and decay independent processes.

Conclusions:

  • The commonly accepted interpretation of England's bound is thermodynamically inconsistent.
  • No universal relationship exists connecting dissipation to both replicator growth and decay rates.
  • Replication and decay are distinct processes, lacking a unified thermodynamic-dynamical connection.