Biophysics : Introduction
Biophysics is an interdependent science discipline that employs unique
methods of physics and physical chemistry to acquire knowledge on the
biological systems present in our world. It applies the principles of
Physics and Chemistry and the methods of Mathematical Analysis and Computer
Modeling to understand how biological systems work. Biophysics explains
biological function in terms of the molecular structures and their properties.
Biophysics is a bridge between biology and physics. This discipline is
concerned with applications of the principles and methods of physical
sciences to biological problems.
Biophysics is one of the most fascinating and intellectually challenging
fields of scientific study because it deals with humans. Biophysics has
a great importance in all our lives today. Biophysics shares a strong
bond with other advanced biological fields biochemistry, bioengineering,
systems biology, nanotechnology, and agro physics, it can be said that
Biological systems is the very root of all our existence. Biophysics incorporate
the study of all levels of biological organization, from molecules to
ecosystems. The main aspect of biophysics is the use of the ideas and
methods of physics and chemistry to study and explain the structures of
living organisms and the mechanisms of life processes.
The applications of Biophysics depend on society's needs. One of the first
major findings in biophysics was the discovery of the double helix structure
of the DNA molecule in 1953. Biophysics helped create powerful vaccines
against infectious diseases. Biophysical methods are increasingly used
to serve everyday needs, from forensic science to bioremediation. Medical
imaging technologies including MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CAT (Computed
Axial Tomography) scans etc. are the invention of Biophysics.
One who study the field of biophysics is known as Biophysicist. They
study life at every level, from atoms and molecules to cells, organisms
and environments. Biophysicists attempt to explain why our biophysical
environment behaves as it does. Biophysicists study how organisms develop,
see, hear, think and live. They investigate how the brain processes and
stores information, the heart pumps blood, muscles contract, plants use
light in photosynthesis, genes are switched on and off and many other
questions. Biophysicists usually work with groups or teams of other scientists
and professionals with other backgrounds to collaborate on solving common
problems. For example, they work along with those in medical and criminology
fields to find solutions to various problems they come across.
The major areas of biophysics are the following:
• Molecular biophysics
-is the study of large molecules and particles of comparable size which
play important roles in biology.
• Radiation
biophysics- consists of the study of the response of organisms
to ionizing radiations, such as alpha, beta, gamma and x-rays and to ultraviolet
light.
• Physiological
biophysics- called by some as Classical biophysics, is concerned
with the use of physical mechanisms to explain the behavior and the functioning
of living organisms or parts of living organisms and with the response
of living organisms to physical forces.
• Mathematical
and theoretical biophysics- deals primarily with the attempt
to explain the behavior of living organisms on the basis of mathematics
and physical theory.
• Medical biophysics
- deals with the study that uses physics to describe or effect biological
process largely for the purpose of medical application. The areas of research
combining Physics and physiology include medical imaging such as MRI,
computed tomography and PET (Positron emission tomography); oncology and
cancer diagnosis using radiolabelling and molecular imaging; and vasculature
and circulatory system function.
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