El. knyga: Physics of Living Systems

This book starts from the macroscopic world, namely thethermodynamics of the Sun-Earth system and biosphere, and, via such diversesubjects as the greenhouse effect and energetics of metabolism, steps into tothe microscopic world (physics of bacteria and unicellular life, cells andtissues, biomolecules); eventually, the perspective moves again upwards inlength- and time-scales, to the physics of organs and whole organisms, to endup with subjects in zoology (e.g., simplified aerodynamics of insect flight,energy budget for the survival and reproduction of a flock of animals), andplanetary ecology (species competition in the Biosphere, limits of ecosystems).Physics in its many aspects, thermodynamics, mechanics,electricity, fluid dynamics, is the guiding light in this fascinating journey,providing ideas, examples and stimulating reflections for undergraduatestudents in physics or chemistry, as well as to anyone interested in thefrontiers between physics and biology. The

idea of this book is not tointroduce much new physics for young students, but rather use their recentlyacquired academic knowledge of basic physics, to start seeing the physicsbehind the biology. As an undergraduate textbook in introductory biophysics, itcontains the necessary background and tools, including exercises andAppendices, to form a progressive course. In this case, the chapters can be usedin the order proposed, possibly split between two semesters.The book is also a pleasant read for researchers inthe life sciences who wish to revive or go deeper into physics concepts,glanced in their early years of scientific training. The less physics-orientedreader might skip the first chapter, as well as all the "greyboxes"containing the more formal developments, and create his/her own menuof chapters, more or less į la carte.

Thermodynamics for Living Systems, Appendix, Problems, References.- Energy, Information and the Origins of Life, Problems, References.- Energy Production and Storage for Life, Problems, References.- Entropic Forces in Cells: Thermodynamics and Hydrodynamics, Problems, References.- Molecular Motors in the Cell, Appendix, Problems, References.- Bioelectricity, Hearts and Brains, Problems, References.- Elasticity and Mechanics of Cells and Tissues, Appendix, Problems, References.- Muscles as Engines, Problems, References.- Physical Variables in Living Systems, Problems, References.- Shapes of Nature, Problems, References.- The Hidden Mathematics of Living Systems, Problems, References.