Entropy in Biological Systems
The thermodynamic concept describing how open biological systems maintain high internal structural order by expelling heat and entropy to their environment.
Governing formula
dS_system + dS_environment ≥ 0 (Schrödinger: 'Living on Negative Entropy')
SI unit
J/K (Entropy)
In depth
Living organisms obey the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Cells consume free energy (food/sunlight) to build highly ordered cellular structures (lowering internal entropy) while releasing degraded thermal heat to the surroundings (increasing total universe entropy).
Examples in the real world
Cells consuming glucose ATP energy to maintain metabolic organization and prevent thermodynamic decay.