In developing the ideas of V.N. Beklemishev about an organism as a form, existing in a process of determined transformation and matter/energy exchange, we consider different aspects of the term "morphoprocess" and introduce corresponding additional terms. Momentary morphoprocess characterizes an organism in the given moment of time. This term reflects a constancy of the form ("momentary form"), where the existence of an organism can be imagined as a sequence of "momentary forms". "First derivative" of this momentary characteristic is particular morphoprocess - an organism from its origin to fission / division or death. Compound particular morphoprocess is a determined and reiterating sequence of different particular morphoprocesses. And, at last, general morphoprocess - a "second derivative" of momentary morphoprocess - is rhythmical reiteration of a particular morphoprocess on the long-term scale, an ancestors/descendants lineage. To describe consecutive changes in this material system, the terms ontogenesis and life cycle are used. Ontogenesis characterizes a sequence of the morpho-functional changes of an individual organism during its life, whereas life cycle reflects a sequence of changes during one complete segment of the general morphoprocess represented by a single or several particular morphoprocesses. We also discuss morphoprocess uniformity along with the phase nature of morphoprocesses, both particular and compound particular ones.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)514-522
Number of pages9
JournalZhurnal Obshchei Biologii
Volume71
Issue number6
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2010

    Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine(all)

ID: 35951961