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How Does Thermodynamics Explain Work Done in Biological Systems?
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[QUOTE="Andrew Mason, post: 6046152, member: 15795"] In thermodynamics work (W) is macroscopic mechanical work performed by a system of molecules in moving between states of thermodynamic equilibrium. It is not difficult to find examples of biological systems doing work. It is a bit more difficult to provide examples of work being done on such systems. Living systems are essentially heat engines to do macroscopic mechanical work. A biological system doing work: The human body can mechanically lift a weight for example. The muscle movement required to lift a weight is the result of thermodynamic processes taking place in muscle cells that convert internal (chemical) energy into heat flow. The human heart can be thought of as a thermodynamic system that uses internal (chemical) energy in its cells to create heat flow that causes the heart muscle to contract and expand, pumping blood through the body. Doing work on a biological system: By applying CPR to a stopped human heart, one does work on that system and causes the heart to pump blood. AM [/QUOTE]
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How Does Thermodynamics Explain Work Done in Biological Systems?
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