Biophysics
A Physiological Approach

This book explains the quantitative basis of human life to life science students, with examples drawn from contemporary physiology, genetics and nanobiology.

Patrick F. Dillon (Author)

9780521172165, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 January 2012

314 pages, 162 b/w illus. 10 tables
24.6 x 17.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.63 kg

'The strength of the book lies in the decades of experience that the author can draw on to illustrate these processes and in knowing his students. Overall, this is a highly readable volume that discusses the physics in physiology in more depth than the typical physiology textbook and will expose concepts from bioengineering to a broader audience.' Markus A. Seeliger, The Quarterly Review of Biology

Specifically tailored to life science students, this textbook explains quantitative aspects of human biophysics with examples drawn from contemporary physiology, genetics and nanobiology. It outlines important physical ideas, equations and examples at the heart of contemporary physiology, along with the organization necessary to understand that knowledge. The wide range of biophysical topics covered include energetics, bond formation and dissociation, diffusion and directed transport, muscle and connective tissue physics, fluid flow, membrane structure, electrical properties and transport, pharmacokinetics and system dynamics and stability. Enabling students to understand the uses of quantitation in modern biology, equations are presented in the context of their application, rather than derivation. They are each directed toward the understanding of a biological principle, with a particular emphasis on human biology. Supplementary resources, including a range of test questions, are available at www.cambridge.org/9781107001442.

Dedication
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. The energy around us
2. Molecular contacts
3. Diffusion and directed transport
4. Energy production
5. Force and movement
6. Load bearing
7. Fluid and air flow
8. Biophysical interfaces: surface tension and membrane structural properties
9. Membrane electrical properties
10. Agonist activation and analysis
11. Stability, complexity and non-linear systems
Concluding remarks
Index.

Subject Areas: Human biology [PSX], Botany & plant sciences [PST], Hydrobiology [PSP], Microbiology [non-medical PSG], Developmental biology [PSC], Biology, life sciences [PS]