Self-organization as an element of the evolution of life

Abstract

A phenomenon of self-organization of matter is well known in physics and chemistry. Since of couple of decades the evidence has been accumulating that self-organization is also a basic process underlying construction of structures and functions in the living system. Self-organization probably participated in the construction of prebiotic chemical structures, and later, in their ordering into systems possessing attributes of life. In this assay principal characteristics of self-organization phenomenon are presented. Examples of self-organization acting in chemistry and biology, as also basic knowledge concerning functioning of complex living systems where self-organization appears to be basic acting agent are discussed. Self-organization presents a new element in the discussion on evolution of life. It presents a challenge to the concept of natural selection and genetics as sole factors in the process of evolution.