Erwin Schr'dinger

Exploring the Essence of Life: A Condensed Summary of "What is Life?"

Introduction:

In "What is Life?" by Erwin Schr'dinger, the Nobel laureate physicist delves into the fundamental question of what constitutes life. Written in 1944, during a time when biology and physics were considered separate domains, Schr'dinger's groundbreaking work explores the connection between physics and biology, shedding light on the nature of life itself. With a captivating blend of scientific insights and philosophical musings, Schr'dinger challenges conventional wisdom, presenting a thought-provoking view of life's essence.

Premise:

Schr'dinger begins by acknowledging that the scientific community had made remarkable strides in understanding the physical aspects of life, such as the structure and function of molecules. However, he argues that a comprehensive theory of life must go beyond these details and address the underlying principles that distinguish living beings from non-living matter. The author posits that life is fundamentally governed by the laws of physics and chemistry, and thus, it is possible to uncover the physical basis of life.

Key Points:

1. The Role of Information:

Schr'dinger introduces a central concept in his exploration of life: information. He argues that living organisms possess a unique form of "aperiodic" crystal-like order, which he refers to as "aperiodic crystals of order." These aperiodic structures store and transmit information, enabling the replication and maintenance of life. Schr'dinger's insight foreshadows the discovery of DNA as the genetic material, highlighting the significance of information in life's processes.

2. Negative Entropy and Energy Flow:

The concept of negative entropy, or negentropy, plays a crucial role in Schr'dinger's analysis. He posits that living organisms maintain a state of low entropy, in contrast to the increasing entropy observed in non-living matter. Life achieves this by continuously acquiring and utilizing energy from its environment. Schr'dinger's emphasis on energy flow as a defining characteristic of life provides a unifying principle that connects physics and biology.

3. The Gene and Its Replication:

One of the most influential aspects of "What is Life?" is Schr'dinger's prediction of the existence of a hereditary molecule that carries the information necessary for life's continuity. He speculates that this molecule, later identified as DNA, must possess the ability to self-replicate accurately. Schr'dinger's foresight paved the way for subsequent breakthroughs in molecular biology and genetics.

4. The Quantum Nature of Life:

Schr'dinger ventures into quantum physics, arguing that quantum phenomena may play a role in the functioning of living organisms. He suggests that certain biological processes, such as photosynthesis, may exploit quantum coherence and entanglement to enhance their efficiency. While the full extent of quantum effects in biology is still a subject of ongoing research, Schr'dinger's exploration opened up new avenues for investigating the quantum nature of life.

Significant Evidence and Supporting Examples:

1. The Thermodynamics of Life:

Schr'dinger draws upon principles of thermodynamics to support his arguments. He discusses the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the entropy of a closed system tends to increase over time. However, living organisms seemingly defy this law by maintaining low entropy states. By linking life's negentropy to the continuous influx of energy, Schr'dinger provides a solid foundation for understanding the energetics of living systems.

2. The Genetic Code:

Schr'dinger's speculation about the existence of a molecule capable of accurate self-replication finds validation in the discovery of the genetic code. The identification of DNA as the molecule responsible for encoding genetic information confirms Schr'dinger's insight into the fundamental role of information in life. The subsequent deciphering of the genetic code further elucidates how the information stored in DNA directs the synthesis of proteins, the building blocks of life.

3. Quantum Processes in Photosynthesis:

Schr'dinger's exploration of the quantum nature of life finds support in recent research on photosynthesis. Scientists have discovered that quantum coherence and entanglement may enhance the efficiency of energy transfer in photosynthetic systems. Examples of quantum phenomena, such as the phenomenon of quantum superposition, have been observed in photosynthetic pigments. These findings lend credence to Schr'dinger's speculation that quantum effects contribute to life's processes.

Conclusion:

"What is Life?" by Erwin Schr'dinger provides a thought-provoking exploration of the essence of life, bridging the gap between physics and biology. Through his insights into information, negentropy, DNA, and quantum phenomena, Schr'dinger offers a compelling perspective on the physical basis of life. His work continues to inspire scientists and philosophers alike, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of life and its origins.