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The steady state kinetics of some biological systems: III. Thermodynamic aspects

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Abstract

Some thermodynamic aspects of steady systems are considered. The time rates of changes, “flux”, of various thermodynamic quantities are formulated. In particular the free energy flux in the steady state, the difference between the free energy flux in the steady and time dependent states and the change in free energy flux upon transition between steady states are discussed. Equations are derived which exhibit the formal similarities and differences between the free energy flux and the conventional free energy change. The temperature dependence of the steady state rate is examined and conditions for “mastery” by a single step discussed. A brief discussion of the role ofrate in the coupling of exergonic and endergonic reactions is given.

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Author notes

  1. John Z. Hearon

    Present address: Department of Physiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Committee on Mathematical Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA

    John Z. Hearon

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  1. John Z. Hearon
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Hearon, J.Z. The steady state kinetics of some biological systems: III. Thermodynamic aspects. Bulletin of Mathematical Biophysics 12, 57–83 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02477346

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