Molecular Electronics

Abstract

Cells have evolved countless systems to keep their houses in order—systems for plumbing, systems for heating, and systems for recycling—so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that they are also master electricians. In our familiar world, our houses are wired with copper, and the flow of electricity is controlled with switches and electrical components. Huge numbers of electrons hop from atom to atom through these wires, powering our lights and appliances. Cells, however, take a more personal approach to electricity. Unlike electronics in our familiar world, cells manage their electricity one electron at a time.