Biophysics in the cell

This textbook is aimed at all students of natural sciences who are looking for an insight into the physical description of fundamental cellular processes. Among other things, the phenomena of diffusion and the mechanics of macromolecules are treated and illustrated with many examples. Furthermore, the formation of the fibrous proteins of the cytoskeleton, the mechanical properties of the lipid membrane of the cell as well as enzyme kinetics and the functioning of molecular motors are discussed.This compact book builds on a two-semester lecture entitled Biophysics in the Cell, given at the Technical University of Munich. To emphasize different approaches and thus make them more comprehensible, important formulas are often derived in different ways. "By the way" sections, highlighting historical or current backgrounds and the scientific zeitgeist of the respective research, enrich the material in an entertaining way. Attractive, clear and modern illustrations give the book a special charm in addition to the technically up-to-date and comprehensibly presented content.