Equations of Membrane Biophysics provides an introduction to the relevant principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, electricity, surface chemistry, electrochemistry, and other mathematical theorems so that the quantitative aspects of membrane phenomena in model and biological systems could be described. The book begins by introducing several phenomena that arise across membranes, both artificial and biological, when different driving forces act across them. This is followed by separate chapters on thermodynamic principles related to properties of dilute aqueous electrolyte solutions along with a review of the principles of electrostatics, electrochemical principles, Fick's laws of diffusion, and the rate theory of diffusion; the quantitative aspects of the electrochemistry of solutions and membranes, and the quantitative relations between charges and electrostatic potentials related to surfaces and interfaces; and membrane theories pertaining to electrical potentials arising across a variety of membranes. Subsequent chapters deal with steady-state thermodynamic approaches to several transport phenomena in membranes; tissue impedance, cable theory, and Hodgkin-Huxley equations; and fluctuation analysis of the electrical properties of the membrane.

Physics, mathematics and chemistry all play a vital role in understanding the true nature and functioning of biological membranes, key elements of living processes. Besides simple spectroscopic observations and electrical measurements of membranes we address in this book the phenomena of coexistence and independent existence of different membrane components using various theoretical approaches. This treatment will be helpful for readers who want to understand biological processes by applying both simple observations and fundamental scientific analysis. It provides a deep understanding of the causes and effects of processes inside membranes, and will thus eventually open new doors for high-level pharmaceutical approaches towards fighting membrane- and cell-related diseases.

A basic tenet of present day biophysics is that flows in biological systems are causally related to forces. A large and growing fraction of membrane biophysics is devoted to an exploration of the quantitative relationship between forces and flows in order to understand both the nature of biological membranes and the processes that take place on and in these membranes. This is why the discussion of the nature of diffusion is so important in any formal development of membrane bio physics. This was equally true twenty years ago when tracers were just beginning to be used for the measurement of membrane processes. We turned naturally to the great treatises on the physics of diffusion and the flow of heat where, to be sure, we could dig out the information that was needed. It was a great joy then to come across this masterful and schol arly discussion on diffusion written for biologists of a physical tum of mind by MERKEL JACOBS. Here were to be found not only the equations that were basic to our knowledge, but also a careful, accurate and logical explanation, both of the physical principles and the mathematical steps. It soon became apparent that we could not keep that one volume of Ergebnisse der Biologie on indefinite loan from the library, and we then found, by good fortune, a remaindered copy of this particular issue. It has become a well-thumbed and treasured possession of the laboratory."

Ls book is an account of what physical chemistry h . . to say about the structural, electrical and transport properties of biological membranes and their simplest model-the lipid bilayer. The accent throughout is on basic ideas. In contrast to the essentially descriptive ap proach characteristic of texts on membrane biochemistry, our underlying themes are the role of force and entropy in maintaining membrane organization, in determining the electric fields and ionic environment of membranes, and in regulating the passage of molecules and ions across membranes. Although experimental findings will always be the touch stone against which theory will be tried, no attempt is made to present an exhaustive survey of experimental data. On the other hand, there is discussion of the nature and limitations of the results obtainable by the major laboratory techniques. The treatment is at the level of an advanced undergraduate course or an introductory survey suitable for post graduate students carrying out research in biochemistry, biophysics, or physiology. The mathematical demands on the reader are trivial. The few forbidding equations appearing in Chapter 7 are soon whittled away to simple practical expressions. Although the current-voltage characteristics of nerves are traditionally the province of biophysics rather than physical chemistry, certain aspects relevant to the electrical activity of nerves are nevertheless included in this text, namely, mem brane and diffusion potentials and conductivity fluctuations. Where rival theories exist, conflicting convictions have been presented, but not necessarily accorded equal approbation. The author has a viewpoint.