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. 2021 Feb 24;14(1):27-36.
doi: 10.1080/19420889.2021.1887549.

A universal model describing the structure and functions of living systems

Antonis Mistriotis  1
Affiliations

A universal model describing the structure and functions of living systems

Antonis Mistriotis. Commun Integr Biol. .

Abstract

Can Life be explained based on the fundamental Laws of Nature? This question is central in Science since its answer could unify Physics and Biology and open new routes for Medicine. The present study introduces a clear and well-documented hypothesis addressing the unified description of all living systems. The proposed universal model is based on two established characteristics of Life. First, the concept of Functional Self-similarity (FSS) is introduced. As shown by several authors, all living systems can be classified in a multi-level hierarchy of increasing complexity. Systems in all hierarchical levels are characterized by a small set of the same attributes defining Life. This observation implies the existence of an elementary living system (i.e., a quantum of Life) having all the necessary functionalities of living systems. Secondly, the non-equilibrium nature of living systems implies that they should be able to process information since such a function is required for reducing entropy. Therefore, all living systems necessarily perform logical operations similar to electronic circuits. This conclusion, which is based on the requirement to overcome the constraints of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, indicates a close correspondence between living systems and information processing machines, namely computers. Consequently, important theoretical principles and concepts regarding computer design may also apply in the study of living systems. The above considerations lead to the Hypothesis of a Universal Architecture (UAH).

Keywords: Logic and Life; information and entropy; living systems; maxwell’s demon; self-similarity; thermodynamics.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Szilard’s engine: If the particle is in the compartment A, it pushes the piston to the right. Therefore, the switch S must be in position A to move the weight upwards. If the particle is in the compartment B, the switch must be moved to position B so that the weight continues to move in the same upward direction
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Binary signal produced by an electronic switch with two states
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
The central unit of an elementary living system: a) explicit version, b) simplified version
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
The basic structure of a living system
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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