Molecular Dissipative Structuring: The Fundamental Creative Force in Biology

Area of Science:

• Non-equilibrium thermodynamics
• Origin of life studies
• Biophysics

Background:

• Macroscopic dissipative structures are common in nature.
• Microscopic dissipative structures, driven by photon or ATP, are less recognized.
• The thermodynamic dissipation theory offers a new perspective on life's origins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of UV light in the origin of life.
• To propose UV-C molecular dissipative structuring as a key mechanism.
• To explore the thermodynamic imperative driving biological complexity.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical UV light research in abiogenesis.
• Proposal of UV-C dissipative structuring for biomolecules.
• Analysis of thermodynamic selection principles.

Main Results:

• Core biomolecules originated as self-organized molecular dissipative structures (chromophores/pigments).
• These structures absorbed and dissipated intense UV-C and UV-B solar radiation.
• Thermodynamic coupling led to increased complexity, photosynthesis, and the modern biosphere.

Conclusions:

• Thermodynamic selection of dissipative structures is the fundamental creative force in biology.
• This process, driven by solar photon dissipation, predates Darwinian natural selection.
• Life's origin and evolution are rooted in the thermodynamic imperative to dissipate energy.