Reintegrating Biology Through the Nexus of Energy, Information, and Matter.
Integr Comp Biol
; 61(6): 2082-2094, 2022 02 05.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34374780
ABSTRACT
Information, energy, and matter are fundamental properties of all levels of biological organization, and life emerges from the continuous flux of matter, energy, and information. This perspective piece defines and explains each of the three pillars of this nexus. We propose that a quantitative characterization of the complex interconversions between matter, energy, and information that comprise this nexus will help us derive biological insights that connect phenomena across different levels of biological organization. We articulate examples from multiple biological scales that highlight how this nexus approach leads to a more complete understanding of the biological system. Metrics of energy, information, and matter can provide a common currency that helps link phenomena across levels of biological organization. The propagation of energy and information through levels of biological organization can result in emergent properties and system-wide changes that impact other hierarchical levels. Deeper consideration of measured imbalances in energy, information, and matter can help researchers identify key factors that influence system function at one scale, highlighting avenues to link phenomena across levels of biological organization and develop predictive models of biological systems.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Biologia
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Integr Comp Biol
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos