Symphony of Coherent Field and Agency

At the heart of cellular function lies the electrochemical gradient, a meticulously maintained balance of ions across organelle membranes. These membrane gradients are not isolated occurrences but in synchrony with each other, bringing even the smallest of molecules and atoms into a well-orchestrated symphony. This electrochemical gradient is not merely a physical phenomenon but an electromagnetic choreography where sodium, potassium, calcium, and other ions play their parts with precision.

The plasma membrane, with its Na+/K+-ATPase pumps, creates the foundational rhythm, a baseline beat that resonates through the cellular orchestra, extending to all the organelles and their membrane gradients. The mitochondria, with their proton gradients, add a layer of depth and intensity to this harmony. The flow of protons through ATP synthase channels generates not just energy but a resonant pulse that echoes through the cell, fueling its myriad functions. Similarly, the endoplasmic reticulum’s control of calcium ions orchestrates cellular signals with the finesse of a seasoned conductor, ensuring that every response is timely and precise and is part of a large choreography.

Parallel to this electrochemical harmony is the more subtle, yet equally vital, electromagnetic symphony. Cells generate weak electromagnetic fields through the movement of ions and charged molecules. These fields, though faint, are integral to cellular communication and coherence and are very much involved in bringing single cells to form a multicellular organism. These fields are not only involved in determining the morphological character of the organisms but also act as the glue that binds them together in a shared identity.

If there is a notion of cellular identity, it is tied to the synchronization of these magnetic fields. Michael Levin’s work highlights the role of these fields (cell membrane) in frogs and planarians. He demonstrates how changes in these fields can alter the underlying morphology of the organism. Levin states, “What we found out was that this electrical pre-pattern doesn’t just tell you where things are going to be, but it’s actually instructive. So, if you move it around… what you will be able to do is cause these organs to form elsewhere” (Levin, Big Biology Podcast, 2023).

The pioneering work of researchers like Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay suggests that cellular structures, such as microtubules, might resonate at specific frequencies, creating a network of electromagnetic interactions. This resonance could serve as a unifying rhythm, harmonizing the activities of various organelles and facilitating long-range communication within the cell.

I postulate that this coherence and resultant field existing between different organelles and the cell membrane provide the nexus where the rhythmic pulses of ion gradients and the subtle hum of electromagnetic waveThis inside coherence, which I am calling a dance, is the embodiment of the cell’s ability to integrate vast amounts of information, maintain homeostasis, and adapt to changing conditions. In this coherent field, the cell finds its identity and agency, a primordial selfhood that resonates through every layer of biological complexity.

This coherent field gives us a perspective on selfhood and agency as the result of a coherent process very early on the cellular level. It suggests that the primordial selfhood and agency result from coherent fields. It is a reminder that life, in its essence, is a symphony of coherence, a delicate balance of electrochemical and electromagnetic harmonies.

Implications for Understanding Selfhood:

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This conceptual framework provides a foundation for exploring how cellular coherence might underpin the emergence of consciousness and selfhood, offering a fresh perspective on these complex phenomena.