Physics - Biophysics

Introduction

Biophysics is a fascinating term for the biology researchers as well as for the physics researcher, as it creates bridge between these two subjects of science.
Biophysics (also known as biological physics) is basically an interdisciplinary approach to study the biological systems. It is uses physics technology to understand the biological systems.

Likewise, biophysics integrates all levels of biological organization, i.e. from molecular level to organismic and population level.
In 1892, first time Karl Pearson used the term ‘Biophysics.’

Biophysicists study the life (basically human life); starting from the cellular organs (such as ribosome, mitochondria, nucleus, etc.) to organisms, and their environment.
With the advancement of technology, the scientists and researchers of both the disciplines (namely Biology and Physics) started exploring a different level of life to understand how actually biological system works.
The biophysicists largely research on the following types of questions −
- How do the cells of nervous system communicate?
- How and why do viruses invade cells?
- What is the functionality of protein synthesis?
- How do plants harness sunlight to make their food?

The study of life at molecular level helps to understand many phenomena of a human body including various diseases and their treatment.
Biophysics helped to understand the structure and function of DNA.

The study of biophysics helps to understand the various elements of bio-chemistry.
Biophysics also help to understand the structure and various functionality of protein.

Following are the major technologies used in Biophysics −
- Electron microscope
- X-ray crystallography
- NMR spectroscopy