Abiogenesis Continuum

An Abiogenesis Continuum is a theoretical framework that describes the gradual transition from non-living systems to living systems through incremental complexity increases and emergent property acquisition.

• AKA: Life Origin Spectrum, Non-Living to Living Transition, Proto-Life Continuum, Chemical Evolution Pathway.
• Context:
  • It can typically identify Intermediate States through chemical complexity analysis.
  • It can typically model Self-Organization Processes through thermodynamic principles.
  • It can typically track Information Storage Evolution through molecular encoding.
  • It can typically measure Autocatalytic Networks through reaction cycle analysis.
  • ...
  • It can often reveal Critical Transitions through phase change detection.
  • It can often predict Minimal Life Requirements through system analysis.
  • It can often simulate Prebiotic Chemistry through molecular dynamics.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Simple Abiogenesis Continuum to being a Complex Abiogenesis Continuum, depending on its abiogenesis continuum resolution.
  • It can range from being a Chemical Abiogenesis Continuum to being a Information-Theoretic Abiogenesis Continuum, depending on its abiogenesis continuum theoretical basis.
  • ...
  • It can integrate with Living System for endpoint definition.
  • It can connect to Physical System for starting point characterization.
  • It can interface with Systems Chemistry for reaction network modeling.
  • It can communicate with Origin of Life Research for hypothesis testing.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Chemical Complexity Stages, such as:
    • Simple Organic Molecule Stage for basic building blocks.
    • Polymer Formation Stage for chain molecule emergence.
    • Protocell Stage for compartmentalization onset.
  • Information Processing Stages, such as:
    • Template Replication Stage for heredity emergence.
    • Metabolic Network Stage for energy processing.
    • Regulatory Circuit Stage for control mechanism development.
  • System Integration Stages, such as:
    • Compartment-Metabolism Coupling for spatial organization.
    • Replication-Translation Coupling for genetic systems.
    • Evolution Capability Emergence for adaptation onset.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Binary Life Definition, which lacks gradual transition.
  • Vitalism Theory, which lacks physicochemical basis.
  • Spontaneous Generation, which lacks incremental progression.
• See: Living System, Physical System, Systems Chemistry, Origin of Life, Proto-Life System, Chemical Evolution, Emergence Theory.

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