16
HENRY EYRING, RICHARD P. BOYCE AND JOHN D. SPIKES
B. Absolute Reaction Rate Theory
62
C. Application of Absolute Rate Theory to Biological Processes
.
.
66
References
73
I. Introduction
A. PURPOSE OF THE CHAPTER
Biological systems, as well as the rest of the universe, are continually undergoing physical and chemical changes. All such changes
involve the gain or loss of energy, or the transformation of energy from
one form into another. The purpose of this chapter is to establish the
basic background necessary for an understanding of the thermodynamics
or energy relations of biological systems.
Comparative biochemistry exemplifies the basic similarity of molecular structure and chemical reaction patterns in cells of all organisms.
It is important to recognize a sort of "comparative biophysical chemistry" which may be regarded as being even more fundamental, since a
consideration of thermodynamics and reaction rate theory provide a
common basis for understanding not only life processes but the nature
of the inanimate portion of the universe as well.
B. SCOPE OF THE PRESENTATION
This chapter will be divided into three sections: (a) SL brief development and discussion of classical thermodynamics with particular
emphasis on the underlying assumption of equilibrium conditions; (b)
an outline of concepts pertaining to steady state systems which are of
particular interest to living organisms; and (c) absolute reaction rate
theory as a complementary approach to the study of living systems.
II. Classical Thermodynamics
A. INTRODUCTION
One becomes acutely aware of the complex nature of living organisms when attempting to apply quantitative ideas to such systems.
In this chapter we will be principally concerned with the reactions occurring on a cellular level, since this represents the fundamental structural and functional unit of organisms.
We tend to think of cells as microscopic chemical machines which
carry on a multitude of activities. They consist of a complex solution
throughout which are dispersed many solids and gases. The entirety
is enclosed by a phase boundary through which some components are
free to move while others are not. The nondiffusable elements, then,
HENRY EYRING, RICHARD P. BOYCE AND JOHN D. SPIKES
B. Absolute Reaction Rate Theory
62
C. Application of Absolute Rate Theory to Biological Processes
.
.
66
References
73
I. Introduction
A. PURPOSE OF THE CHAPTER
Biological systems, as well as the rest of the universe, are continually undergoing physical and chemical changes. All such changes
involve the gain or loss of energy, or the transformation of energy from
one form into another. The purpose of this chapter is to establish the
basic background necessary for an understanding of the thermodynamics
or energy relations of biological systems.
Comparative biochemistry exemplifies the basic similarity of molecular structure and chemical reaction patterns in cells of all organisms.
It is important to recognize a sort of "comparative biophysical chemistry" which may be regarded as being even more fundamental, since a
consideration of thermodynamics and reaction rate theory provide a
common basis for understanding not only life processes but the nature
of the inanimate portion of the universe as well.
B. SCOPE OF THE PRESENTATION
This chapter will be divided into three sections: (a) SL brief development and discussion of classical thermodynamics with particular
emphasis on the underlying assumption of equilibrium conditions; (b)
an outline of concepts pertaining to steady state systems which are of
particular interest to living organisms; and (c) absolute reaction rate
theory as a complementary approach to the study of living systems.
II. Classical Thermodynamics
A. INTRODUCTION
One becomes acutely aware of the complex nature of living organisms when attempting to apply quantitative ideas to such systems.
In this chapter we will be principally concerned with the reactions occurring on a cellular level, since this represents the fundamental structural and functional unit of organisms.
We tend to think of cells as microscopic chemical machines which
carry on a multitude of activities. They consist of a complex solution
throughout which are dispersed many solids and gases. The entirety
is enclosed by a phase boundary through which some components are
free to move while others are not. The nondiffusable elements, then,