Abstract:
In this talk we examine the fundamental question "What is life?" through multiple scientific perspectives. Four key definitions are explored: (1) Life as a form of existence of protein bodies, representing the biochemical view; (2) Life as a phenomenon of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, drawing on Erwin Schrodinger's groundbreaking 1944 work "What Is Life? The Physical Aspect of the Living Cell" (Cambridge University Press); (3) Life as a phenomenon connected to the use and transmission of information, emphasizing the informational nature of biological systems; and (4) Life as a form of existence of replicators, particularly DNA and RNA molecules, highlighting the genetic and evolutionary aspects. These complementary definitions provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of life from physical, chemical, and informational standpoints.
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