Abstract
Living systems are characterized as self-generating and self-maintaining systems. This type of characterization allows integration of a wide variety of detailed knowledge in biology.
The paper clarifies general notions such as processes, systems, and interactions. Basic properties of self-generating systems, i.e. systems which produce their own parts and hence themselves, are discussed and exemplified. This makes possible a clear distinction between living beings and ordinary machines. Stronger conditions are summarized under the concept of self-maintenance as an almost unique character of living systems. Finally, we discuss the far-reaching consequences that the principles of self-generation and self-maintenance have for the organization, structure, function, and evolution of single- and multi-cellular organisms.
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Der Heiden, U.A., Roth, G. & Schwegler, H. Principles of self-generation and self-maintenance. Acta Biotheor 34, 125–137 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00046778
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00046778