Network thermodynamics: analysis and synthesis of membrane transport system.
The bond graph expression of network thermodynamics is a useful tool for modeling of biological systems [1, 8, 9, 13]. Epithelial transport systems, such as frog skin and the acinar cell of the salivary gland, have been modeled and simulated using this tool [8, 9]. However, thermodynamic description of a complex system has been considered difficult [1], and doubt has also been cast on the applicability of network thermodynamics to thermal or entropy relations [2]. In this review, I discussed the thermodynamic basis for network thermodynamics using the availability function and assuming local equilibrium [7]. I also showed the applicability of bond graphs to the analysis of nonisothermal systems which include thermal conduction, thermoosmotic and thermoelectric phenomena [13]. Thus, network thermodynamics is suitable for analysis of more complicated systems and for computer simulation.
Department of Physiology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Japan.
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Imai
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D008566:Membranes / Q000378:metabolism*; D013816:Thermodynamics