Based on our knowledge of macromolecules, we would not have been able to predict that they could combine to form a living organism, nor could we have predicted all of the characteristics of the resulting bacterium. For instance, a single-celled bacterium is alive, but if you separate the macromolecules that combined to create the bacterium, these units are not alive. Life itself is an example of an emergent property.
Such properties are called emergent properties (Novikoff, 1945).
EMERGENT PROPERTIES AS SYSTEM INDICATORS FULL
Instead, at each level, new properties and rules emerge that cannot be predicted by observations and full knowledge of the lower levels.
When units of biological material are put together, the properties of the new material are not always additive, or equal to the sum of the properties of the components. Rather, the spectrum of integrative levels that ranges from macromolecules to populations is most relevant (Figure 1). In order to study genetics, however, we don't need to consider objects as tiny as subatomic particles. These levels are based upon a physical foundation, with the lowest level appearing to consist of subatomic particles. Higher integrative levels are more complex and demonstrate more variation and characteristics than lower integrative levels. Integrative levels of organization allow researchers to describe the evolution from the inanimate to the animate and social worlds (Novikoff, 1945). Organisms are units that can form populations, and then biospheres, which go on to make up even greater levels of complexity.Īs this example illustrates, units of matter are organized and integrated into levels of increasing complexity this is a concept referred to as integrative levels of organization. Cells can then be organized into tissues, which form organs, and organs can be grouped into organ systems, which are built into entire organisms-including humans like you. For example, subatomic particles can be organized into atoms, which are the components of molecules, and molecules can be organized into macromolecules, such as DNA and proteins, which can be built into cells. It's slightly easier, however, to picture forms of matter in levels that increase in complexity. It may be difficult to imagine that your body is made of spinning protons, neutrons, and electrons, but this is indeed the case.
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