Flowing boundaries in autopoietic systems and microniche construction

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• Developmental Biology
• Systems Biology

Background:

• Organismal boundaries define life, identity, and function, but their nature as demarcations of the 'self' is debated.
• Traditional views often overemphasize physical boundaries, leading to inconsistencies in understanding organismal integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the philosophical and biological concepts of organismal boundaries.
• To propose a new framework for understanding organismal boundaries based on structural coupling and microniches.
• To challenge the overreliance on physical boundaries in defining biological entities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of essentialist and non-essentialist perspectives on boundaries.
• Categorization of boundaries into life-defining, physical, and structural coupling types.
• Application of formal boundary approaches (e.g., Markov blankets, (M, R) systems, autopoiesis).

Main Results:

• Physical boundaries are insufficient for defining organismal self; structural coupling offers a more robust model.
• Autopoietic systems demonstrate constant mutual influence between organism and environment.
• The concept of microniches explains internal controlled spaces and clarifies what constitutes a biological entity.

Conclusions:

• Organismal boundaries are dynamically shaped by structural coupling and niche construction, extending beyond physical membranes.
• Microniches, resulting from structural coupling, are key to understanding internal organization and entity status.
• Higher-order structures (multicellular organisms, colonies) are defined by informational boundaries and evolutionary norms, integrating diverse biological and cultural systems.