Lectures on Certain Aspects of Biochemistry

Abstract

THE attempt to interpret the phenomena of life in terms of chemistry resolves itself in practice largely into the study of the mutual reactions between living and non-living matter. Living cells exhibit the remarkable property of exerting chemical action upon certain components of their environment, and of assimilating and ultimately of obtaining energy from them. The terms ‘machinery’ and ‘fuel” are often used—loosely, it must be admitted—to distinguish the assimilator from the assimilated, though there is evidence that the two are to a certain extent mutually replaceable, structural parts disintegrating to supply energy, and energy-holding materials being built up into the structure. The analogy is, however, quite a useful one so long as it helps us not to forget that the chemical phenomena of life are quite as much attributes of a particular physical state of matter as of a particular chemical structure. Both considerations are important, for life, like a flame, is a temporary shape set to an unceasing flow of matter of peculiar properties. .' Life as a state of matter involves the conception of Gpnditions of equilibrium which can only be maintained with expenditure of energy ... it costs us something merely to exist, in more senses than one. The more delicate the state of balance, the more numerous and potent are the conditions which modify it.

Lectures on Certain Aspects of Biochemistry.

These Lectures were given in the University of London during the Summer Term, 1925. By Dr. H. H. Dale, Prof. J. C. Drummond, Prof. L. J. Henderson, Prof. A. V. Hill. Pp. viii + 313. (London: University of London Press, Ltd., 1926.) 12s. 6d. net.