Energy And Life

Energy and Life covers the subject of biological energetics at a breadth suitable to be taken as an individual study module of an undergraduate degree. It takes as its theme the main mechanisms for coupling the free energy of catabolic processes to the reactions necessary for life. The subject is dealt with at an intermediate level and the approach is quantitative with many problems and worked examples. The text is suitable for most students of the life sciences, including medicine, who wish to study the topic as an optional course to their main subject.
The material starts with a consideration of the application of thermodynamics to biology. Whole-body measurements of energy flow are described and the energy balance of intact organisms is discussed with regard to food intake, size and physical activity. The basic thermodynamics of chemical reactions including oxidation and reduction are covered before a discussion of how these reactions can be used at the molecular level by living systems to drive work processes such as biosynthesis, mechanical movement and ion transport. The impact of living systems on the biosphere is described in terms of the major cycles of oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. Bioenergetic aspects of the biosphere include a consideration of biomass energy, damage to the ozone layer, and the production of greenhouse gases.