Chapter 16 - Applications of Thermodynamics to Biological Processes

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the thermodynamic analysis of metabolism and the stabilities of two types of biomolecules—namely, proteins and nucleic acids. Living cells undergo a variety of cyclic processes. An important part of metabolism is to generate the energy that drives these processes. This energy is converted into work, with heat as a byproduct. Cycles, heat, work, and energy are the framework upon which thermodynamics is built. Therefore, it is not surprising that the study of biological systems from a thermodynamics perspective has yielded valuable insights into the forces that dictate the structures of organisms and the functioning of their various cellular components. Rather than providing a comprehensive account of thermodynamic applications to biological systems, the chapter describes two key areas where, historically, thermodynamic measurements provide important quantitative data that gives insights into fundamental biological processes. The chapter also presents several conclusions about the nature of biological systems that arise from thermodynamic considerations.