Synthesis of theories on cellular powering, coherence, homeostasis and electro-mechanics: Murburn concept and evolutionary perspectives.

Abstract

If evolution was/is a fact, a simplified/unifying approach to explain cellular physiology is warranted. Such a perspective should agree with the thermodynamic, kinetic, structural, and operational-probabilistic considerations; without invoking overt intelligence or determinism, and must enable a synthesis from chaos. In this regard, we first list salient theories in cellular physiology for (i) powering (generation of chemical/heat energy), (ii) coherence (interconnectivity and workability as a unit), (iii) homeostasis (metabolizing and expelling of unfamiliar/unwanted materials, maintaining concentration/volume), and (iv) cellular electrical-mechanical activities. While doing so, we discuss the scopes and limitations of (a) the classical active-site affinity and recognition-based modality of lock-key and induced-fit enzyme-catalytic mechanisms established by Fischer/Koshland, (b) membrane-pump hypothesis acclaimed by biologists-physicians and historically championed by the British Nobel-laureates like Hodgkin-Huxley-Katz-Mitchell, and (c) association-induction hypothesis advocated by physicists-physiologists from various parts of the world, for example, Gilbert Ling (China-USA), Gerald Pollack (USA), Ludwig Edelmann (Germany), Vladimir Matveev (Russia), and so on. We apply murburn concept (from "mured burning," capturing the thesis that one-electron redox equilibriums involving diffusible reactive species play vital roles in maintaining life order) to amalgamate several core cellular functions and further discuss the prospects for establishing the continuum of the principles of physics in biology.