Introduction to Molecular Biophysics

From Book News, Inc.
In this overview of attempts to describe the phenomena of life using the conceptual framework of physics, Tuszynski (University of Alberta) and Kurzynski (University of Poznan) present current knowledge about the structure and dynamics of biomolecules, the structure of a biological cell, and the thermodynamics of biochemical reactions. They then focus on the mechanisms behind nerve cells, the cardiovascular system, respiration, muscles, bones, and vision. The final chapter explores biological functions for self-regulation and self-organization. Appendices review the theories of random walks, diffusion, phase transitions, and nonlinear physics.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
Molecular biophysics is a rapidly growing field of research that plays an important role in elucidating the mysteries of life's molecules and their assemblies, as well as the relationship between their structure and function. Introduction to Molecular Biophysics fills a an urgent need for a text that provides students with the modern theoretical tools they need to understand life processes from a physical viewpoint. The authors use a combination of biological information with physical models and theories to provide a rigorous description of biological structures. The theme throughout Introduction to Molecular Biophysics is the hierarchical organization of all living systems starting with single cells and building up to systems and organisms. The text begins by presenting the structural, biochemical, and biophysical properties of the building blocks of all living systems, along with their functions in living cells. The authors also review the structure and function of the living cell with emphasis on its organization and functional interdependence of the subcellular structures, along with the examination of the role of diffusion processes in cell functions. Following the discussion of single cell organization and function, the text covers the biophysics of tissues, organs, organisms, and viruses. The text reviews numerous topics of relevance to the field of biophysics, ranging from peptide chains to DNA structure and function, cytoplasm, membranes, and motor proteins. In addition, since nonlinear physicists have developed new physical concepts that have been evaluated as a possible theoretical framework within which living systems can be better understood, the authors have provided three appendices that summarize the most important ideas and results involved in nonlinear physics, phase transitions, and diffusion. Introduction to Molecular Biophysics is richly illustrated and includes numerous examples, references, and experimental tools that make the book an outstanding text for upper-level and graduate students in biophysics, biology, and biochemistry.


Book Info
Text builds the modern theoretical foundation needed to understand life processes from a physical point of view. Covers a broad range of topics, from DNA to biological coherence. Illustrated, and includes numerous examples, references, and experimental tools. Useful as a textbook or reference work. DLC: Molecular biology.


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In this overview of attempts to describe the phenomena of life using the conceptual framework of physics, Tuszynski (University of Alberta) and Kurzynski (University of Poznan) present current knowledge about the structure and dynamics of biomolecules, the structure of a biological cell, and the thermodynamics of biochemical reactions. They then focus on the mechanisms behind nerve cells, the cardiovascular system, respiration, muscles, bones, and vision. The final chapter explores biological functions for self-regulation and self-organization. Appendices review the theories of random walks, diffusion, phase transitions, and nonlinear physics. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


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