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Thermodynamics, Chemical Reactions and Molecular Biology

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Abstract

An extended statement of chemical equilibrium calls for consideration of the integral ∫T0 ΔCP dT, in addition to T ∫T0 ΔCp/T dT (= T ΔST0) and ΔHT0—the classical terms of the equation −RTlnK = ΔHT0 = T ΔST0. The integral ∫T0 ΔCP dT is not negligible for macromolecules and particularly biopolymers, and its direct experimental determination at all temperatures down to 0 K is therefore indispensable for thermodynamic understanding of the objects of molecular biology.

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Author notes

  1. T. H. BENZINGER

    Present address: The National Bureau of Standards, Chemistry Building, Washington DC

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bio-Energetics Laboratories, Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland

    T. H. BENZINGER

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  1. T. H. BENZINGER
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BENZINGER, T. Thermodynamics, Chemical Reactions and Molecular Biology. Nature 229, 100–102 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/229100a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/229100a0

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