A Self-referential Equation, f(f) = f, Obtained by Using the Theory of (M,R) Systems: Overview and Applications

Abstract

The notion of metabolic closure is presented and analyzed in terms of Robert Rosen’s theory of (M,R) systems. Recent results concerning (M,R) systems are reviewed, specially those defining self-referential equations like f(f) = f. We related (M,R) systems to Autopoiesis, another theory centered on metabolic closure, and we speculate how an algebraic view of metabolism could be utilized in the analysis of metabolic pathways. As a helping metaphor we consider necessary to build, in the context of (M,R) systems, analogous to Tellegen’s theorem, but based purely on closure arguments, to metabolic networks