234 WHAT IS LIFE 



The series of reactions that is possible to life-forms 

 is determined (1) by the specific condition that 

 determines the origin, or formation, of the dual- 

 system (without which condition it cannot form) ; 

 and (2) by the degree of complexity of the factors that 

 combine to make the conditions. The "conditions," 

 the "factors" and the "complexity" here referred to, 

 of course all are physicochemical. 



It is obvious that the degree of complexity that 

 obtains at the formation of a dual-system is a most 

 important factor in determining the series of re- 

 actions that may be completed by the system, and 

 thus in determining the life-form itself. 



But only a limited series of reactions is possible to 

 the organism, considered as a dual-system that con- 

 sists of a Z-system and a material system, as the 

 theory defines it. It is absolutely impossible that 

 these should be exceeded. The possibilities of varia- 

 tion are simply and solely those which are permitted 

 by these exact limitations. Always the ultimate 

 determinant is the constitution and complexity of 

 the Z-system. 



The specificity of the relations that govern the life- 

 process {basically considered) is such that it seems 

 extremely improbable that the earliest life-forms on the 

 earth could have developed into the later higher life- 

 forms. 



