Part 1. Origin of Viruses

Within the framework of the Non-Information Theory of Life (NTA), a physical scenario of the origin of viruses is proposed. Viruses are seen as fragmented supramolecular ensembles (SMAs) that have lost their self-sustaining identity and have transitioned to a parasitic existence. All the properties of viral particles are derived from physical parameters: polymer conformations, energies of non-covalent interactions, phase states of water, and kinetics of autocatalytic cycles. It is shown that viruses arose repeatedly in different geochemical niches when condensate cycles were disrupted. The viral capsid is interpreted as a relic of condensate, and the polynucleotide chain is interpreted as a carbosignature separated from the supporting tetraphase of water. The work integrates the latest experimental data (LLPS, CISS effect, independent emergence of bacteria and archaea) and offers testable predictions expressed in physical terms.