Sharma, A. , Czégel, D., Lachmann, M., Kempes, C. P., Walker, S. I. and Cronin, L. (2023) Assembly theory explains and quantifies selection and evolution. Nature, 622(7982), pp. 321-328. (doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-06600-9) (PMID:37794189) (PMCID:PMC10567559)
![[img]](https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
305433.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. 3MB |
Abstract
Scientists have grappled with reconciling biological evolution1,2 with the immutable laws of the Universe defined by physics. These laws underpin life’s origin, evolution and the development of human culture and technology, yet they do not predict the emergence of these phenomena. Evolutionary theory explains why some things exist and others do not through the lens of selection. To comprehend how diverse, open-ended forms can emerge from physics without an inherent design blueprint, a new approach to understanding and quantifying selection is necessary3,4,5. We present assembly theory (AT) as a framework that does not alter the laws of physics, but redefines the concept of an ‘object’ on which these laws act. AT conceptualizes objects not as point particles, but as entities defined by their possible formation histories. This allows objects to show evidence of selection, within well-defined boundaries of individuals or selected units. We introduce a measure called assembly (A), capturing the degree of causation required to produce a given ensemble of objects. This approach enables us to incorporate novelty generation and selection into the physics of complex objects. It explains how these objects can be characterized through a forward dynamical process considering their assembly. By reimagining the concept of matter within assembly spaces, AT provides a powerful interface between physics and biology. It discloses a new aspect of physics emerging at the chemical scale, whereby history and causal contingency influence what exists.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | We acknowledge financial support from the John Templeton Foundation (grants 61184 and 62231), EPSRC (grant nos. EP/L023652/1, EP/R01308X/1, EP/S019472/1, and EP/P00153X/1), the Break-through Prize Foundation and NASA (Agnostic Biosignatures award no. 80NSSC18K1140), MINECO (project CTQ2017-87392-P), and ERC (project 670467 SMART-POM). |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Sharma, Mr Abhishek and Cronin, Professor Lee |
| Authors: | Sharma, A., Czégel, D., Lachmann, M., Kempes, C. P., Walker, S. I., and Cronin, L. |
| College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry |
| Journal Name: | Nature |
| Publisher: | Nature Research |
| ISSN: | 0028-0836 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1476-4687 |
| Published Online: | 04 October 2023 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2023 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Nature 622(7982): 321–328 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record
Funder and Project Information
Funder and Project Information