Abiophysiology, as you’ve described it, is a term that doesn’t seem to have widespread use or recognition in scientific literature or academia. However, the concept you’re referring to—studying inorganic processes in biological systems—is certainly within the realm of biophysics, biochemistry, and related fields.
Biophysics is the interdisciplinary study of biological phenomena and processes using the principles and methods of physics, while biochemistry focuses on the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. Both fields explore the intricate interactions between biological systems and their physical and chemical environments, including the role of inorganic molecules and processes.
In the context of biophysics and biochemistry, researchers investigate a wide range of topics, including:
- Enzyme kinetics: Understanding how enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions and the role of inorganic cofactors (such as metal ions) in enzyme function.
- Metabolism: Studying the pathways and regulation of metabolic processes, including those involving inorganic molecules like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and various ions.
- Signal transduction: Investigating how cells communicate and respond to external stimuli, often involving the movement of ions across cell membranes.
- Structural biology: Examining the molecular structure of biological macromolecules (such as proteins and nucleic acids) and their interactions with inorganic molecules or ions.
- Biomineralization: Exploring the formation of mineral structures in biological systems, such as bones, teeth, and shells, and the role of organic molecules in controlling mineral deposition.
- Electrophysiology: Studying the electrical properties of biological membranes, including ion channels and membrane potential, which are crucial for nerve signaling and muscle contraction.
- Oxygen transport: Investigating the mechanisms by which oxygen is transported in the bloodstream and delivered to tissues, involving the binding of oxygen to inorganic molecules like hemoglobin.
These are just a few examples of the many ways in which biophysics and biochemistry intersect with inorganic processes in biological systems. While “abiophysiology” may not be a widely recognized term, the study of inorganic processes in biology is indeed a rich and important area of scientific inquiry with broad implications for understanding life and health.
