Synopses & Reviews
Physics and engineering departments are building research programs in biological physics, but until now there has not been a synthesis of this dynamic field at the undergraduate level. Biological Physics focuses on new results in molecular motors, self-assembly, and single-molecule manipulation that have revolutionized the field in recent years, and integrates these topics with classical results. The text also provides foundational material for the emerging field of nanotechnology. The text is built around a self-contained core geared toward undergraduate students who have had one year of calculus-based physics. Additional "Track-2" sections contain more advanced material for senior physics majors and graduate students.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 577-589) and index.
Table of Contents
I. Mysteries, Metaphors, Models1. What the ancients knew
2. What's inside cells
II. Diffusion, Dissipation, Drive
3. The molecular dance
4. Random walks, friction, and diffusion
5. Life in the slow lane: The low Reynolds-number world
6. Entropy, temperature, and free energy
7. Entropic forces at work
8. Chemical forces and self-assembly
III. Molecules, Machines, Mechanisms9. Cooperative transitions in macromolecules
10. Enzymes and molecular machines
11. Machines in membranes
12. Nerve impulses
Global list of symbols and units
Numerical values
Index