How Was Nature Able to Discover Its Own Laws—Twice?

Abstract

The central thesis of the modern scientific revolution is that nature is objective. Yet, somehow, out of that objective reality, projective systems emerged—cognitive and purposeful. More remarkably, through nature’s objective laws, chemical systems emerged and evolved to take advantage of those laws. Even more inexplicably, nature uncovered those laws twice—once unconsciously, once consciously. Accordingly, one could rephrase the origin of life question as follows: how was nature able to become self-aware and discover its own laws? What is the law of nature that enabled nature to discover its own laws? Addressing these challenging questions in physical-chemical terms may be possible through the newly emergent field of systems chemistry.

Thermodynamics of Potential CHO Metabolites in a Reducing Environment

“…As pointed out by Pross [2] in this Special Issue, "all material systems are driven towards more persistent forms." In the context of which specific molecules will persist (in equilibrium or at steady state) and thereby contribute to the small subset utilized by proto-metabolism, both thermodynamics and kinetics will play a role.…”

“…While our data allow for a wide range of analyses, this paper will pick out a few key examples to illustrate how one might build a proto-metabolic cycle, why paying attention to redox states is important, and why particular molecules may be keystone species, thermodynamically-speaking. In particular, we will (1) explain why the C 1 + C 1 → C 2 reaction must be incorporated into a cycle, (2) examine the close relationship between carbonyl compounds as potential metabolites, (3) suggest reasons for the centrality of acetate in core metabolic cycles, and (4) discuss specific reactions and molecules that could participate in proto-metabolic cycles in the absence of highly specific catalysts. In no way do we discount the importance of other compounds beyond the limited set we have calculated (compounds containing nitrogen, sulfur and phosphate; metal ions/clusters) that can act as potential catalysts and cofactors; nor will we discuss the important question of flows in non-equilibrium thermodynamic systems.…”

Mind from Matter: The Chemical Connection

“…Of course, the evolutionary process gave rise to an endless array of functional innovations, not just mind. Indeed, it is striking to note that nature has proven to be the ultimate technologist, routinely exploiting a wide range of physical and chemical principles in order to facilitate life's ultimate goals of survival and reproduction [16] . Yet, there is a striking difference between life's mental capability and the many other technological discoveries uncovered by nature.…”

“…In most cases the physical and chemical principles underpinning those other technological achievements are broadly understood. Thus, for example, the aeronautical principles enabling flight, the principles of electromagnetism enabling bioconductivity, [17] the chemical principles governing molecular replication, [18–21] the laws of thermodynamics [22] facilitating energy transduction, and so on, are well understood, even if the level of human technological capability often remains diminished compared to nature's extraordinary level of technological proficiency [16] …”

“…Indeed, it is striking to note that nature has proven to be the ultimate technologist, routinely exploiting a wide range of physical and chemical principles in order to facilitate life's ultimate goals of survival and reproduction. [16] Yet, there is a striking difference between life's mental capability and the many other technological discoveries uncovered by nature. In most cases the physical and chemical principles underpinning those other technological achievements are broadly understood.…”