Prebiotic Aggregates (Tissues) Emerging from Reaction–Diffusion: Formation Time, Configuration Entropy and Optimal Spatial Dimension

For the formation of a proto-tissue, rather than a protocell, the use of reactant dynamics in a finite spatial region is considered. The framework is established on the basic concepts of replication, diversity, and heredity. Heredity, in the sense of the continuity of information and alike traits, is characterized by the number of equivalent patterns conferring viability against selection processes. In the case of structural parameters and the diffusion coefficient of ribonucleic acid, the formation time ranges between a few years to some decades, depending on the spatial dimension (fractional or not). As long as equivalent patterns exist, the configuration entropy of proto-tissues can be defined and used as a practical tool. Consequently, the maximal diversity and weak fluctuations, for which proto-tissues can develop, occur at the spatial dimension 2.5.

Change in inter-atomic communication character in the formation of solid and liquid solutions. Relationship of vibrational and configuration entropy and their physical interpretation

The purpose of this work is to show that during mixing, two hidden (latent) processes proceed simultaneously and compensate each other: the first initiates an increase in the average heat capacity, equal in magnitude to the entropy of mixing, which requires energy absorption to ensure a constant temperature, the second initiates simultaneous latent heat release by strengthening interatomic bonds. The passage of these two processes during mixing shows the identity of the vibrational and configurational (statistical) entropy.

Insight into the effect of configuration entropy of additives on the Seebeck coefficient

Thermogalvanic cells have attracted considerable attention because of their potential to directly convert waste heat into electricity by using redox reactions under continuous operation with a simple, cost-effective design. An...