Jorunal #2 Molecules and Cells
1. During the first weeks of Bio 001 lectures, we discussed “what it means to be alive”, and then we discussed the concept of “emergent properties” in the origin of functional molecules and cells. What is meant by “emergent properties” in biology?
In biology, emergent properties are when parts of an organism interact with one another to perform a specific function. It is important to note that an emergent property is not exhibited by one part alone. Usually, emergent properties arise when a part of an organism becomes part of a bigger system. For example, on their own Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen cannot produce macromolecules, but when they are combined these elements acquire the ability to become lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. On a bigger scale, the mouth alone cannot digest and acquire energy from the food we eat. Instead, an emergent property arises when the mouth, stomach, intestines, and other items work together to provide an organism with needed energy. 2. Watch this TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_hanczyc_the_line_between_life_and_not_life?language=en#t-854513 (Links to an external site.)
How does the concept of emergent properties apply to the protocells described in this TED Talk? …show more content…
The presenter mentions how the protocells needs to start simply and work their way up from there. Furthermore, the presenter describes how the protocell can become more complex by stating, “Other attributes will be added in the course of development by the evolutionary action of the environment.” Through this statement, we can infer that through time the protocells will become more complicated and eventually emergent properties will be exhibited. However, the protocell remains very simple with no signs of emergent
1. During the first weeks of Bio 001 lectures, we discussed “what it means to be alive”, and then we discussed the concept of “emergent properties” in the origin of functional molecules and cells. What is meant by “emergent properties” in biology?
In biology, emergent properties are when parts of an organism interact with one another to perform a specific function. It is important to note that an emergent property is not exhibited by one part alone. Usually, emergent properties arise when a part of an organism becomes part of a bigger system. For example, on their own Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen cannot produce macromolecules, but when they are combined these elements acquire the ability to become lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. On a bigger scale, the mouth alone cannot digest and acquire energy from the food we eat. Instead, an emergent property arises when the mouth, stomach, intestines, and other items work together to provide an organism with needed energy. 2. Watch this TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_hanczyc_the_line_between_life_and_not_life?language=en#t-854513 (Links to an external site.)
How does the concept of emergent properties apply to the protocells described in this TED Talk? …show more content…
The presenter mentions how the protocells needs to start simply and work their way up from there. Furthermore, the presenter describes how the protocell can become more complex by stating, “Other attributes will be added in the course of development by the evolutionary action of the environment.” Through this statement, we can infer that through time the protocells will become more complicated and eventually emergent properties will be exhibited. However, the protocell remains very simple with no signs of emergent