bions

Bions are a theoretical concept in theoretical biology and astrobiology, representing a hypothetical self-replicating molecule or entity that could exist in environments vastly different from Earth. The term "bion" was coined by physicist Erwin Schrödinger in his 1944 book "What Is Life?". Schrödinger proposed that living organisms might be explained by quantum mechanical principles and speculated about the existence of fundamental building blocks capable of replication and information storage.

While not definitively identified, the idea of bions explores the possibility of life arising from non-biological components under specific conditions. These hypothetical entities would need to possess a mechanism for accurate self-replication, allowing them to create copies of themselves and perpetuate their existence. They would also likely need to interact with their environment in a way that facilitates their replication and survival, potentially through the utilization of available energy and resources.

The concept of bions is closely related to abiogenesis, the study of how life could arise from non-living matter. Researchers in fields like synthetic biology and origin of life studies consider the principles behind bions when designing artificial life forms or investigating the potential for life on other planets. The search for extraterrestrial life, particularly in extreme environments, often considers the possibility of bions or similar entities forming the basis of alien biology. While bions remain theoretical, they serve as a valuable thought experiment for understanding the fundamental requirements for life and the diverse forms it might take.