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. 2014 Mar-Apr;5(2):73-9.
doi: 10.4161/bioe.26570. Epub 2013 Oct 21.

Hierarchical structure of biological systems: a bioengineering approach

Carlos Alcocer-Cuarón  1 , Ana L Rivera  2 , Victor M Castaño  2
Affiliations

Hierarchical structure of biological systems: a bioengineering approach

Carlos Alcocer-Cuarón et al. Bioengineered. 2014 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

A general theory of biological systems, based on few fundamental propositions, allows a generalization of both Wierner and Berthalanffy approaches to theoretical biology. Here, a biological system is defined as a set of self-organized, differentiated elements that interact pair-wise through various networks and media, isolated from other sets by boundaries. Their relation to other systems can be described as a closed loop in a steady-state, which leads to a hierarchical structure and functioning of the biological system. Our thermodynamical approach of hierarchical character can be applied to biological systems of varying sizes through some general principles, based on the exchange of energy information and/or mass from and within the systems.

Keywords: biological systems; biophysics; cybernetics; modeling; systems; thermodynamics.

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Figures

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Figure 1. A closed loop formed by a biological system.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment on

  • Lopez-Marin LM, Tamariz E, Acosta-Torres LS, Castaño VM. Therapeutic proteins and nanotechnology: immune response and stealth bioengineered constructs. Curr Drug Metab. 2013;14:531–9. doi: 10.2174/13892002113149990006. doi: 10.2174/13892002113149990006

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