Premium
Heat conductance, diffusion theory and intracellular metabolic regulation
Author(s) -
Wheatley Denys N.,
Malone P. Colm
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
biology of the cell
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.543
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1768-322X
pISSN - 0248-4900
DOI - 10.1016/0248-4900(93)90256-e
Subject(s) - intracellular , biology , diffusion , cytoplasm , mechanism (biology) , cell physiology , metabolic activity , physiology , microbiology and biotechnology , biophysics , cell , neuroscience , biochemistry , physics , thermodynamics , quantum mechanics
Summary— Diffusion theory played a major role in the development of biology as an exact science. The question is raised, however, as to its relevance and applicability in the molecular interactions which occur in metabolism in the living cell. This review looks at diffusion theory from its inception and subsequent introduction into biology, its shortcomings with regard not only to whole‐body physiology, but more pertinently at the intracellular level, with its failure to offer a rational basis for metabolic regulation in the internum of the cell. The conclusion is reached that although diffusion inevitably occurs within cells, its role is of little importance with regard to most metabolic activity. In comparison, perfusion of the internal surfaces of the cell by streaming of the fluid compartment of the cytoplasm seems to be the modus operandi which allows molecular interactions to occur at rates far beyond those that diffusion would permit, and at the same time offers a mechanism which permits sensitive control of metabolic activity.