Entropy Perspectives of Molecular and Evolutionary Biology

Attempts to find and quantify the supposed low entropy of organisms and its preservation are revised. The absolute entropy of the mixed components of non-living biomass (approximately -1.6 x 10(3) J K-1 L-1) is the reference to which other entropy decreases would be ascribed to life. The compartmentation of metabolites and the departure from the equilibrium of metabolic reactions account for reductions in entropy of 1 and 40-50 J K-1 L-1, respectively, and, though small, are distinctive features of living tissues. DNA and proteins do not supply significant decreases in thermodynamic entropy, but their low informational entropy is relevant for life and its evolution. No other living feature contributes significantly to the low entropy associated with life. The photosynthetic conversion of radiant energy to biomass energy accounts for most entropy (2.8 x 10(5) J K-1 carbon kg(-1)) produced by living beings. The comparatively very low entropy produced in other processes (approximately 4.8 x 10(2) J K-1 L-1 day(-1) in the human body) must be rapidly exported outside as heat to preserve low entropy decreases due to compartmentation and non-equilibrium metabolism. Enzymes and genes are described, whose control minimizes the rate of production of entropy and could explain selective pressures in biological evolution and the rapid proliferation of cancer cells.

Automated summary

This study revises attempts to find and quantify the low entropy of organisms, highlighting the absolute entropy of non-living biomass as the reference point for entropy decreases in living beings. It points out that compartmentation of metabolites and departure from metabolic equilibrium contribute to distinctive reductions in entropy, while DNA and proteins have low informational entropy that is relevant for life and evolution. Additionally, it emphasizes the critical role of photosynthetic conversion of energy in maintaining low entropy in living systems.