How are cell death like apoptosis and entropy related?
In [Perspectives on Statistical Thermodynamics, Yoshitsugu Oono](https://books.google.co.jp/books?id=1-g7DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA277&lpg=PA277&dq=Thus,+entropic+apoptosis+andentropic+altruism+are+conceivable.&source=bl&ots=r7zsDGHYSE&sig=XH6q_j2I563vUjJsa9PmVbQiDHs&hl=ja&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj48-bSy5DeAhVCZt4KHdWCBaYQ6AEwAHoECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=Thus%2C%20entropic%20apoptosis%20andentropic%20altruism%20are%20conceivable.&f=false), it is written that> Do not conclude, however, that since the second law is invincible,> information thermodynamics is unimportant. It is possible for a system> we are interested in to perform something that ordinary thermodynamics> does not allow, and to pay the price somewhere else. For example, it> may be possible to go beyond the limit of thermodynamics for the time> being by shifting the average value of fluctuations, although the> price must be paid (dearly) later. There must be such cases in> molecular machines. It is argued that cell senescence is due to the> accumulation of defects and wastes, but cell death could have a more> active implication of carrying away the debt caused by utilizing> information. Thus, entropic apoptosis and entropic altruism are> conceivable.but I don't understand the following two points.- Why is cell death associated with "debt caused by utilizing information"? Do cells die for increasing entropy to compensate the entropy decrease which caused by their using information (but what kind of information)?- Why can we conclude "Thus, entropic apoptosis and entropic altruism are conceivable."? Does this mean, to let other cells decrease the entropy by consuming information, some cells kill themselves to increase entropy?
Assuming that when a cell comes into existence it is in the "perfect" state maintaining that state becomes increasingly difficult. I am sure you can identify with a newly cleaned bedroom, as you live in it the level of "chaos" increases, requiring energy to restore to its pristine state. Cells are subject to damage through oxidation and as DNA is used in cell function the DNA will need to be repaired. Just like a messy room this takes energy. We humans replace all of our cells once every seven years. The most rapid cell replacement happens where there is direct mechanical or chemical stress placed on the cell. The inside of the mouth and the rest of the gut and the skin are two places where cell replacement is a matter of days. In the brain and nervous system this process of replacement is much slower. Cells develop in context to the environment. When a cell fails to adapt to the environment and assume its then it could be the first cell in a tumor. Repeated damage to DNA and creating environments that make the repair and replacement of DNA (like putting tar and nicotine in your lungs) tend to make this more likely.
