Foundations of Biophysics

ContentsPreface Unit I Becoming Acquainted with Living Systems Chapter I The Biologist^s View of Life Characteristics of Life A Few Biological Generalizations Cellular Organization Cellular Division Biological Classification References and Suggested Reading Chapter II The Chemistry of Living Systems Chemical Bonds SubUnits of Macromolecules Biological Macromolecules Cellular Energy Conversion References and Suggested Reading Chapter III Genetics Mendelian Genetics Molecular Genetics References and Suggested Reading Chapter IV Molecular Transport in Living Systems Diffusion Membranes References and Suggested Reading Unit II The Biophysical Approach to Special Organ Systems Chapter V The Nervous System Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System The Nerve Impulse Nervous System Function Learning and Memory References and Suggested Reading Chapter VI Sound and Hearing Some Physical Aspects of Sound Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear Theoretical Mechanisms of Hearing References and Suggested Reading Chapter VII Light and Vision Some Physical Aspects of Light Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye Theory and Experiment of the Visual Process References and Suggested Reading Chapter VIII The Circulatory System Blood and Its Distribution The Heart Electrocardiography References and Suggested Reading Chapter IX Muscle and Bone Anatomy and Terminology The Events of Muscular Contraction The Physics of Muscular Contraction References and Selected Readings Chapter X Viruses The Nature of Viruses Structure of Viruses The Replication Cycle of Viruses References and Suggested ReadingUnit III Biophysical Techniques Chapter XI Techniques Using Wave Phenomena Microscopy X-Ray Diffraction Absorption Spectrophotometry References and Suggested Reading Chapter XII Techniques Using Nuclear Phenomena Fundamental Properties of Atomic Nuclei Isotopic Tracer Methods Effects of Radiation on Living Systems References and Suggested Reading Chapter XIII Techniques Using Mechanical and Electrical Phenomena Centrifugation and Sedimentation Biophysical Instrumentation References and Suggested Reading Glossary Index