Physics and Biology Systems
Physics and biology have a rich history that spans centuries. Physics provides the platform for the existence of biology through components such as space, energy, matter, and time. However, there are instances where physics cannot explain biology. Scientists employ biophysics to explore biological systems, thereby bridging the gap between physics and biology. Several researchers are using both experimental and mathematical modelling to explain systems in biology. This paper highlights a research by Radde and Hutt (2016) on the Physics behind Systems Biology. The article by the scholars is selected since it provides clear concepts having their roots in physics and employed in systems biology. Besides, the adoption of a theoretical physics foundation in the biology field is explained.
According to the two authors, systems biology is widely viewed as the application of simulation and modeling techniques from the field of engineering to biology. Biological experimental observations are presented as contextualized data by high-throughput modern technologies. A theoretical physics approach such as thermodynamic equilibrium constitute to essential system-level properties of biological open systems. The term dynamic steady state show concepts such as reaching a similar final state when different paths and independent initial conditions are followed. The approaches are vital in the analysis of the sensitivity of metabolic networks in biology. Further, physics models based on the system level made it possible for cells to be broken down into little subsystems hence enabling the study of cell biology.
Radde and Hutt (2016) went ahead to explore different historical interactions of the physics and biology disciplines and the necessity of a description of systems in biology systematically. Emerging factors due to the interaction include modern developments in bioinformatics and feasibility in the quantitative models used in molecular networks. The paper also highlights that new and complex biology system models can be handled smoothly due to the increased computer power caused by physics.
Reference
Radde, N.E., Hütt, M. The Physics behind Systems Biology. EPJ Nonlinear Biomed Phys 4, 7 (2016). Retrieved from https://epjnonlinearbiomedphys.springeropen.com/articles/10.1140/epjnbp/s40366-016-0034-8