Journal of Astrobiology & Outreach

Abstract

Biospheric Energization

Budding E, Gündüz G, Ozel ME and Demircan O

We discuss a physical model relating to the origin and development of lifelike processes, paying particular attention to the continual growth of systemic energization and complexity from very simple beginnings. To approach recognizable life forms in the terrestrial case, we refer to a molecular (‘ABC’) process consisting of the following elements: A -- a molecular structure that can temporarily stores a local energy excess; B -- a catalyst that, making use of the local energy excess, catalyses also itself, and comes in a small number of slightly different forms involving different reaction steps; C -- a disposable tool molecule that assists and tunes the response of the A and B molecules to the (time-dependent) local source of energy. This local source of energy is external to the ABC system, and we take it to be solar photons (or a comparable flux from a solar-like star).
We show that the system can evolve from very simple beginnings to a progressively more highly tuned, energized and complex responding biosphere, that grows exponentially; albeit with a very low net growth factor. We note the inherent instability suggested by this can be related to the “low L” solution of the Drake equation. We consider possibilities for similar processes in the outer regions of other planets of the solar system or elsewhere. We outline some possible observational checks for the principles of this model.