A potential new law of biology centered around the importance of instability in living systems has been proposed by John Tower, a molecular biologist at the University of Southern California.
In the realm of biology, laws that discuss the fundamental patterns and principles common to life forms are considered uncommon. They may not be as definitive as those in mathematics or physics, yet they offer meaningful insights into the workings of biological entities.
Existing biological laws largely pertain to the economy of energy or material conservation, suggesting life’s inclination towards stability.
Take, for example, Allen’s rule, which suggests that mammals in cold climates evolve shorter limbs to preserve warmth. However, not all species follow this pattern, as evidenced by certain exceptions in the animal kingdom.
Moreover, many biological forms exhibit structures that grow according to consistent mathematical laws, like the expansion of a nautilus shell. Such patterns are believed to support resource conservation. Bees building hexagonal honeycombs exemplify this efficiency.
“Logarithmic spirals and similar structures are seen as cost-effective ways to enlarge a life form without altering its original shape,” Tower elaborates on this notion of conservation.
Contrary to these examples of stability, Tower introduces the idea of ‘selectively advantageous instability’, suggesting that a degree of biological volatility is not just common but advantageous for life’s progression.
This instability is deemed beneficial for the complexity and adaptability it introduces at all levels of biological organization, from molecules to whole populations.
“The very existence of mechanisms in cells that break down and renew cellular components highlights the critical role of selective instability for life,” Tower points out.
While instability is accompanied by the loss of energy and the accumulation of mutations—a process tied to aging—it is also essential for life’s ability to evolve and thrive amid change.
As a result, living organisms must navigate the delicate balance between the need for both stability and instability, with each course having its own consequences.
“Recent scientific fascination has revolved around phenomena like chaos theory, critical phenomena, and new paradigms like cellular consciousness,” Tower mentions. His research indicates that selectively advantageous instability is a core element in each of these areas.
Tower’s research on this subject has been documented in the journal Frontiers in Aging.
FAQs about the Proposed Universal Law of Biology
- What is ‘selectively advantageous instability’?
Selectively advantageous instability is a concept suggesting that a certain level of biological volatility is essential for life’s complexity and adaptability. - How does this idea challenge existing biological laws?
Unlike existing principles that focus on stability and conservation of resources, this new concept argues that instability is also beneficial and necessary for life. - Can instability in biological systems really lead to aging?
Yes, the instability that introduces complexity and adaptability in biological systems can also lead to the loss of resources and the accumulation of genetic mutations, which are associated with aging. - Why is understanding this proposed law important?
Understanding this law can provide us with new perspectives on how living organisms evolve and adapt to their environments, potentially offering insights into the aging process itself.
Conclusion
The novel concept of ‘selectively advantageous instability’ presented by John Tower provides a potential shift in our comprehension of biological laws. By proposing that instability plays a vital role in the development and evolution of life, Tower has introduced a perspective that could have profound implications for understanding biological complexity, adaptability, and aging. Further research in this area may unveil new aspects of life’s intricate balance between stability and change, expanding our knowledge and appreciation of the biological world.