Physics 177

Uniqueness of Living Matter
Biological systems are unique in that every part of a living
organism is there for a purpose, i.e., to fulfill a function within
itself.
Their shape, dimensions, organizational detail all respond to the
need to fit in a larger and complex inner program ultimately
capable of perpetuate the organism.
A rock has an inner structure too, dimensions, physical and
chemical properties. They are not there, however, to fulfill an
autopoietic task.
There is a necessity associated with the structure of a living
object that is not there for a rock.