Biophysics is a newer branch of educational studies that combines physics, math, chemistry and biology to effectively model and understand how biological systems work. Biophysics combines these shared sections of science to study biomolecules and molecular structure. The science is especially interested in macromolecules like proteins and the DNA components that drive their synthesis. Biophysics also uses the education of computer scientists to build programs that assist researchers in viewing 3D models of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.
Fields of Study
The study of macromolecules is a broad definition, but as science expands into new, untapped research, the definition of biophysics also expands. Biophysicists are interested in developing better methods to explain the unknown. For instance, we understand that proteins spontaneously fold into a specific 3D structure. Without that 3D structure, a protein has no function, so how does the protein know exactly fold to form the precise function biological systems need to survive? Biophysics also studies the phenomena of light, sound, odors and the way we can detect and feel these particles.
Specific Topics
For some students, their interest lies in a certain area of biophysics. While some students excel in physics, others may feel more comfortable studying biology or chemistry. The field of biophysics is broad, and it takes a team of scientists specializing in different scientific areas to conduct thorough research.
Molecular Structures
Molecular structures are an area of research that focuses on the cellular processes of DNA, RNA, protein synthesis and the enzymes that interact to form a functional, living cell. The student should also know the basic chemistry groups and how these structures react with other functional groups to form acids, bases or other biomolecules.
Biophysical Research Techniques
While molecular structure students study the specific characteristics of chemical reactions in the body, biophysical technique students study the behavior and properties of these biomolecules. The important properties of proteins include shape, size, primary structure and polarity. These techniques of understanding the interaction of proteins help develop better medical therapies for disease and genetic defects.
Biophysics and Mechanisms
The mechanisms of how DNA instructs the cellular processes to create certain proteins and other similar mechanisms are the study for these students. This area of biophysics weighs heavily on the understanding of genetics, genetic mutations and the denaturing of protein molecules. Understanding the mechanical nature of biological systems helps scientists understand the interaction of environment and outside physical forces that drive evolution and biological design.
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