Abstract
A stochastic thermodynamic model of poikilotherm development has been derived from the Eyring equation assuming multiple activity states of the underlying developmental control enzymes. This analysis brings together into a general model the day-degrees concept and the Arrhenius hypothesis as interpreted by Eyring. The compensating effect of enzyme inactivation at high and low temperatures incorporated into the model has the following consequences. 1. (i) It demonstrates the validity of the linear approximation (day-degree concept) in the mid-temperature region for some organisms. 2. (ii) It effectively establishes a low-temperature threshold for development. 3. (iii) It reduces the rate of development at higher temperatures, thereby establishing both an optimum and upper threshold for development. The resulting equation has been found applicable to a wide range of organisms.
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