Thermodynamics in Living Systems

Topic Description

Upon completion of this module, you should be able to understand the first and second laws of thermodynamics. All processes that involve changes in energy, including those found in living systems, are governed by the laws of thermodynamics. All organisms hold strict energy requirements that must be met if they are to survive. Whether or not these requirements are satisfied is dependent upon a complex web of biological processes, each of which possesses a characteristic thermodynamic footprint. The first law of thermodynamics declares that the total amount of energy present in the universe is constant. This means that any increase in energy must be matched by a decrease in energy of the same amount.