Let’s start with observations.
1. Microbes are the smallest cells living an independent life, observed in
nature.
1a. Viruses are smaller but cannot live independently.
2. The complexity of the smallest microbe is immense.
2a. The smallest microbe on earth illustrates what such a minimal complexity
might be. It might be regarded as an atom of life. When divided into its parts
it ceases to exist. (Atom in Greek means indivisible)
2b Despite ongoing research nobody succeeded to generate such a complexity
from organic or inorganic molecules.
3. Most (if not all) microbes do not live isolated, they live in populations
called bio-films which by themselves are living organisms. An isolated microorganism
is only a temporary (transient) state.
4. Properties of the atom of life4a Is an open system exchanging matter and
energy with the environment.
4b Its structure is oriented. In other words it is a set of oriented processes.
4c Despite an ongoing turnover it maintains its appearance. This feature
is known as steady state, homeostasis or homeorhesis.
4d It is optimal.
4e It reproduces.
Properties 4b,4c and 4d are collectively called Wisdom of the Body
(WOB).
In other words, the atom of life is an open system with a WOB.
The proliferon is the simplest artificial
construct illustrating these properties.
5. Whenever atoms of life aggregate they create open systems with a WOB. For
instance bio-films are also open systems with a WOB and so are we.