From Physics to Biology by Extending Criticality and Symmetry Breakings

Abstract

In comparison to modern physics, symmetries play a radically different role in biology.By arguing on the relation between symmetries and conservation and stability properties in physics, we posit that the dynamics of biological organisms, in their various levels of organization, are not “just” processes, but permanent (extended, in our terminology) critical transitions and, thus, symmetry changes.Within the limits of a relative structural stability (or interval of viability), variability is at the core of these transitions. And biological adaptivity and diversity are a consequence of it.