The Nature of Biological Systems as Revealed by Thermal Methods

The Nature of Biological Systems as Revealed by Thermal Methods is a guide for experiments using thermal methods. The Editor has used his many years of experience to create a unique resource that will enable others with a less mathematical background, to realize the beauty and power of this tool and to gain a better understanding of biological problems. Biological calorimetry (and of course thermal analysis) is of increasing interest and is not covered thoroughly in other resources. The methods presented are macroscopic, for the rather inhomogeneous material (micromethods are often not possible or not pertinent). This book will help beginners in the field of thermal analysis or calorimetry understand the principles of thermodynamics being applied to biological systems. Biological systems are highly organized and very complex. The water and the different types of weak interactions among the macromolecules make the interpretation of thermal events very difficult. This book includes examples how to handle such problems. The Nature of Biological Systems as Revealed by Thermal Methods is unique in that it: -has a broad spectrum, from molecules and biochemistry, tissues, and food, to whole organisms; -combines practical problems (food processing, quality control, thermal denaturation of proteins, plants and small insects, etc.) with concrete solutions and interpretation; -provides practical strategies and tools without "dry physics and mathematics"; -initiates the application of thermal methods in new fields (e.g. medicine); -forces the reader to go into more detail of thermodynamics and thermal techniques; -simplifies communication between biologists, medical doctors and experts of thermal analysis. The book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in thermodynamics, including practising professionals applying thermal methods to biological problems; researchers and graduate students beginning work using thermal methods; and specialists of thermal analysis starting work on biological problems. In addition, this book will be a useful resource for libraries and institutes as the only book covering quantitative thermal analysis of biological systems.