This three-part treatment translates the technical language of research monographs on the theory of free energy transfer in biology, making the subject more accessible to those entering the field. Designed for upper-level classes in biochemistry or biophysics, it can also be used for independent study.

The first chapter presents a self-contained and elementary discussion of the principles of free energy transduction. Its survey encompasses the effects of thermodynamic forces; operation, cycle, and transition fluxes; efficiency and the rate of free energy dissipation; and fluxes and forces near equilibrium. The second chapteris a little more advanced in its examinations of the diagram method for calculating steady-state probabilities and cycle fluxes. The third chapter is increasingly sophisticated, introducing free energy levels of the state in a kinetic diagram. Primarily of conceptual interest, it is also essential in understanding muscle contraction and related mobility systems at the molecular level.

Dover (2005) unabridged republication of the edition published by Springer-Verlag New York, Inc., 1989. 36 figures. Index. 128pp. 5.375 x 8.5. Paperbound.