Abstract
Whereas homogeneous systems are relatively easily described, cellular processes are heterogeneous and more difficult to describe. Because so many processes occur that require the exchange of components across at least one phase, it is extremely valuable for the biological scientist to have an understanding of the forces and structures that act in the zone of transition between phases. When different phases come in contact with each other, an interface between them occurs. This interface is a surface, and the properties of a surface are different from those of either of the phases responsible for creating it. Additionally, the changeover between phases is never instantaneously abrupt, but instead there is a zone of transition extending from the surface for a finite distance into the bulk of each of the phases where the properties are representative of neither bulk phase. The surface and the regions immediately adjacent are termed the interphase, a very useful distinction. The properties of interphases will be the subsequent focus of this section.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Bergethon, P.R. (2010). The Electrified Interphase. In: The Physical Basis of Biochemistry. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6324-6_20
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6324-6_20
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-6323-9
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-6324-6
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)