What Is Stress? A Systems Perspective.

摘要: The term "stress" is used to describe important phenomena at multiple levels of biological organization, but finding a general and rigorous definition the concept has proven challenging. Current models in behavioral literature emphasize cognitive aspects stress, which said occur when threats organism are perceived as uncontrollable and/or unpredictable. Here we adopt perspective systems biology take step toward stress by unpacking light control theory. Our goal clarify so facilitate integrative research formal analysis. We argue that occurs system detects failure fitness-critical variable, may be either internal or external organism. Biological typically include both feedback (reactive, compensatory) feedforward (predictive, anticipatory) components; their interplay accounts for complex phenomenology living organisms. simple abstract propose applies animals, plants, single cells, highlighting connections across organization. In final section paper explore some extensions our approach suggest directions future research. Specifically, discuss classic concepts conditioning hormesis review relevant work on cellular responses; show how theory suggests existence fundamental trade-offs design point potential insights into effects novel environmental conditions, including those resulting from anthropogenic change.