On BioThermoKinetics / BTK.
The International Study Group on BioThermoKinetics is a
loosely organized group of scientists interested in
the understanding of the energetics, kinetics, control and regulation
aspects of living cells. The group started off with
the application of Non Equilibrium Thermodynamics
to Bioenergetics. Much of its first interests was therefore
in mitochondria, chloroplasts and bacteria. The interest was one
of doing more with experimental results than just plotting them, i.e.,
view them in the light of theories based on sound physical and chemical,
and mathematical principles. Also, however, the intention is not
to do theory just for theory's sake; the true challenge is felt to lie
in the interface between theory and experiment.
Soon it became clear that beyond equilibrium,
thermodynamics and kinetics are often two sides of the same coin; kinetics
of energy transducing systems (e.g., ion pumps)
became part of the field of interest.
Subsequently the field of metabolic control analysis began to
flourish and as its players had much the same interests in many the same
problems, it became an important topic of the BTK group.
The groups main activity is to organize a meeting every other year,
which is meant, above all, to stimulate discussion. The most recent
meeting was in september 1992 near Bordeaux, the next one will be
september 1994, near Innsbruck.
In principle, the group also organizes workshops. One on
the modelling of cell physiology is in the makings.
For further information please contact the acting chairman
of the BTK group: Hans V. Westerhoff: HW at NKI.NL
FAX: +31 20 512 2029.
