Bioenergetics
The branch of biophysics and biochemistry studying energy transformation, transfer, and coupling mechanisms in living organisms.
Governing formula
ΔG = ΔH - T ΔS, ΔG'° = -R T ln K_eq
SI unit
kJ/mol (Gibbs Free Energy)
In depth
Bioenergetics applies thermodynamic laws to cellular metabolism. Living cells maintain non-equilibrium steady states by coupling exergonic ATP hydrolysis (ΔG < 0) to endergonic metabolic processes, generating proton motive force across mitochondrial membranes.
Examples in the real world
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation driving ATP synthase to convert ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP energy currency.