Molecular and cellular biophysics / Jack A. Tuszynski.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tuszynski, J. A.

Series:

CRC series in pure and applied physics

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Biophysics.

Molecular biology.

Molecular Biology.

Medical Subjects:

Biophysics.

Molecular Biology.

Physical Description:

xx, 520 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Boca Raton : Chapman & Hall/CRC, [2008]

Summary:

From quantum theory to statistical mechanics, the methodologies of physics are often used to explain some of life's most complex biological problems. Exploring this challenging yet fascinating area of study, Molecular and Cellular Biophysics covers both molecular and cellular structures as well as the biophysical processes that occur in these structures. The book features a quantitative approach that avoids being too abstract in its presentation.

Logically organized from small-scale (molecular) to large-scale (cellular) systems, the text first defines life, discussing the scientific controversies between mechanists and vitalists, the characteristics of living things, and the evolution of life. It then delves into molecular structures, including nucleic acids, DNA, RNA, interatomic interactions, and hydrogen bonds. After looking at these smaller systems, the author probes the larger cellular structures. He examines the cytoplasm, the cytoskeleton, chromosomes, mitochondria, motor proteins, and more. The book concludes with discussions on biophysical processes, including oxidative phosphorylation, diffusion, bioenergetics, conformational transitions in proteins, vesicle transport, subcellular structure formation, and cell division.

Contents:

What is life?

What are the molecules of life?

What is a biological cell?

What are life processes?.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781584886754

1584886757

OCLC:

124505701

Online:

Publisher description