One cannot expect a collection of expression data with a mathematical model, by themselves, to provide this type of functional information unless it is set in the organismic, ecosystem, and planetary context.
Here, the fact that any definition of function, which must make reference to fitness, requires some systems, ecological, or planetary context, makes the natural historian a natural source of hypotheses.
This, in turn, implies that the hypotheses about function have a "systems" component, including the interaction of the protein with other proteins, their impact on the physiology (defined broadly) of the cell and organism, and the consequences of physiology in a changing ecosystem in a planetary context [ 2].
Studies of matter under high pressure are especially important in a planetary context.
If we can create a planetary context where drug addicts are treated as people with a health issue - not a judicial, criminal issue - that would create the perfect context for us to advance".
This strategy expands systems biology to a planetary context, necessary for a notion of fitness to underlie (as it must) any discussion of function within a biomolecular system.
Origins of life science has also grown to encompass what is assumed to be possible in other planetary contexts, opening up the realm of cosmic OoL, where fields like planetary science and astronomy can provide insight.
In an Earth System context the carbon cycle can act as a buffer to keep the planetary environment within well-defined limits, but if critical thresholds are crossed, the carbon cycle can act as a giant flywheel that helps to push the Earth System into another state.
That became the planetary icon.
