Biophysics takes fundamental physics concepts and applies them to understand how biological systems work. Biophysicists take a much more quantitative
approach, looking at the data and calculations behind all of the experiments. This leads to much of the work being completed in labs with a focus on
genetics and cells as opposed to animals and plants. Despite not being mentioned by name, chemistry is also a necessity why working in
Biophysics. Much of the application of physics occurs when studying the various molecules present in many organisms and cells. This can
include looking at the biomolecules related to many disease such as Alzheimer’s disease, ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s disease”), HIV, diabetes, breast
cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Protein Translation
To the right you see an animation representing the process of protein translation that sees mRNA
telling ribosomes within a cell what amino acids they should use to
build a protein. The mRNA is read by the ribosome and translated into these long chains of amino
acid that become protiens. These protiens are then used to build up
the structure in your body, such as the heart or lungs.
Kinesin
Another example of how biophysics can be applied is with the protien kinesin. It belongs to a class of motor protiens that move along the cytoplasm of eukariotic
cells. Kinesins are powered by ATP(Adenosine triphosphate) to walk along microtublue filiments to
deliver cargo during
functions such as meiosis and mitosis.
Biophysics takes fundamental physics concepts and applies them to understand how biological systems work. Biophysicists take a much more quantitative
approach, looking at the data and calculations behind all of the experiments. This leads to much of the work being completed in labs with a focus on
genetics and cells as opposed to animals and plants. Despite not being mentioned by name, chemistry is also a necessity why working in
Biophysics. Much of the application of physics occurs when studying the various molecules present in many organisms and cells. This can
include looking at the biomolecules related to many disease such as Alzheimer’s disease, ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s disease”), HIV, diabetes, breast
cancer, and multiple sclerosis.