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Phenomenological theory of ontogenesis
1Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow.
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|February 4, 1998
Summary
Organism development, growth, and aging involve decreasing entropy production. However, reverse processes like regeneration and malignant growth show temporary increases in entropy production.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Developmental Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Phenomenological theories of ontogenesis describe organismal development.
- Prigogine-Wiame theory addresses entropy production in biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the thermodynamic principles governing individual development.
- To analyze entropy production during various life stages and processes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of phenomenological theories of ontogenesis.
- Examination of entropy production via heat production and respiration measurements.
Main Results:
- Development, growth, and aging are characterized by decreasing specific entropy production.
- Reverse processes (oogenesis, regeneration, malignant growth) exhibit temporary increases in entropy production.
Conclusions:
- Individual development is underpinned by thermodynamic principles of minimum energy dissipation and fastest descent.
- Entropy production dynamics provide insights into normal and abnormal biological processes.