25.08.2015 Views

In the Beginning was Information

6KezkB

6KezkB

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS
  • No tags were found...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Figure 42: Three processes in closed systems: Two blocks of copper having differenttemperatures eventually attain <strong>the</strong> same temperature. If two compartments containgases at different pressures, <strong>the</strong> pressures will quickly be equalised through<strong>the</strong> opening. Two salt solutions having different concentrations exchange <strong>the</strong>ir saltcontent through a permeable membrane. <strong>In</strong> all three cases <strong>the</strong> common aspect isthat <strong>the</strong> entropy of later states is greater than for <strong>the</strong> initial conditions (S 2 > S 1 ).– The examples selected for illustrating <strong>the</strong> apparent relationshipbetween entropy and disorder are, without exception, systems where<strong>the</strong>re is no interaction between components. Such systems are irrelevantas far as biological structures are concerned, since thousands ofchemical reactions take place within minute spaces.– Biological order is based on <strong>the</strong> information present in all cells. Thequality and quantity of this information should now be obvious – seeChapter 6 and paragraph A1.2.3.226

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!