Adding (thermo)dynamic aspects to definitions of life

Abstract

Jagers op Akkerhuis suggests two complementary definitions of life: O-life and S-life. O-life represents the organismic view of life, focusing on a general property of organisms. S-life refers to the systemic view of life, and is represented by a system of interacting organisms. As a contribution to defining life by means of organisms and interacting organisms, it is relevant to focus on the fundamental chemical processes that allow for the existence of organisms. From this point of view, this contribution will focus on the chemistry of chemo-autotrophic cells, and the thermodynamic disequilibrium that cells need for their functioning.