The Mystery of Life: Emergence and Complexity

Life is a phenomenon that emerges from non-living matter, but what exactly distinguishes living from non-living? Scientists struggle to pinpoint the key differences, with answers spanning energy flow, information flow, and maintaining low entropy. Biology seems to violate the second law of thermodynamics, which predicts increasing disorder over time, as living systems maintain high order and complexity. Quantum biology explores the use of quantum phenomena in living systems, like enzymes utilizing quantum tunneling to move particles efficiently. Information theory proposes that life requires the storage and manipulation of information, as seen in genetics and technological advancements. These approaches shed light on the physics behind life's emergence and complexity.