Biomatrix: The web of life |
| |
| Authors: | Gyorgy G. Jaros Anacreon Cloete |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital , Cape Town, South Africa;2. Bioengineering Section, Department of Electronic Engineering , University of Pretoria , Pretoria, South Africa |
| |
| Abstract: | Abstract The interrelationship between all things on earth has long been accepted. It is known that we are part of a great, complex network of processes, sections of which extend to the small building blocks of our bodies. But how are the parts of this network connected together? Is there perhaps a simple overall pattern? We believe that there exists such a pattern which incorporates all living as well as lifeless matter on earth. We refer to this network as the “biomatrix” and define it as the “living network of all things on earth.” There are units or elements composing the matrix. We call these doublets, within and around which essentially two types of processes, viz., endodynamic and exodynamic processes, take place. Endodynamic processes are those which are directed in purpose toward the components of the doublet in question. Exodynamic processes, on the other hand, are those which have purposes directed toward the greater doublets of which the doublet in question forms a part. All things, lifeless as well as living and organizational entities, from atoms to societies and the total ecosystem, can be thought of as doublets of the biomatrix. The matrix is not a simple net, such as the fisherman's, in which all knots are the same and are placed alongside one another. The web of life on earth is complex. The connecting strands are processes, endodynamic or exodynamic, and the knots are the doublets. Although many doublets occur alongside one another, they also occur within one another in a “Chinese‐box hierarchy” fashion, viz., those of greater complexity generally enclosing the simpler ones. A general scheme pertaining to the biomatrix is discussed and it is shown that for an optimally functioning system there must be a balance between the endodynamic and exodynamic processes relating to all doublets within the system. It is hoped that our efforts will contribute to the evolution of a generally accepted systems framework for life on earth. It is important that such a framework be applicable to practical problems which confront us in everyday affairs. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
