title: Hierarchical structure of biological systems: a bioengineering approach.
abstract: A general theory of biological systems, based on few fundamental propositions, allows a generalization of both Wierner and Berthalanffy approaches to theoretical biology. Here, a biological system is defined as a set of self-organized, differentiated elements that interact pair-wise through various networks and media, isolated from other sets by boundaries. Their relation to other systems can be described as a closed loop in a steady-state, which leads to a hierarchical structure and functioning of the biological system. Our thermodynamical approach of hierarchical character can be applied to biological systems of varying sizes through some general principles, based on the exchange of energy information and/or mass from and within the systems.
authors.affiliation: Universidad del Valle de México; Juriquilla, Querétaro México.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alcocer-Cuarón
authors.affiliation: Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro México.
authors.forename: Ana L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Rivera
authors.affiliation: Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro México.
authors.forename: Victor M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Castaño
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D057005:Bioengineering / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003491:Cybernetics / Q000379:methods*; D017753:Ecosystem; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; D049490:Systems Biology / Q000379:methods*; D013816:Thermodynamics
keywords: biological systems; biophysics; cybernetics; modeling; systems; thermodynamics